Parents catching up under No Child Left Behind
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Parents were supposed to get power under the No Child Left Behind Act to recognize failing schools and choose to leave them or help fix them.
But too often all the schools in low-income neighborhoods are on federal watch lists. Few parents move their children to higher performing schools when given the chance and little evidence suggests that parents' real impact in school decision-making is widespread.
Moms such as Jessica Melendez, however, are taking the first steps. Melendez's children attend Caswell Elementary in Ceres, where she volunteers every day.
The Bee's Nan Austin interviews Pam Able, superintendent of Modesto City Schools
Modesto Bee - (Debbie Noda/dnoda@modbee.com) Kindergarten students line up at the cafeteria door in preparation to walk to their classes at Caswell Elementary School in Ceres.
"Years ago, this school wasn't known for good