WPCNR'S ADAM IN ALBANY. By Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. August 4, 2006: I am very pleased to announce that the governor recently signed legislation I authored to facilitate communication between parents and teachers by establishing an Internet-based communications system for schools (Ch. 160 of 2006). The new law, known as the Parent-Teacher Communications Act will help parents remain involved in their children’s education.
A child’s education is greatly enhanced by parental involvement. Unfortunately, large class sizes and busy parental work schedules often do not allow for sufficient communication between parents and teachers. This new law will help bridge the gap between the home and the classroom.
The Parent-Teacher Communications Act requires the state Education Department to develop guidelines to help schools establish Internet communication systems for parents or guardians to communicate with teachers. Combined with reform and oversight legislation, the measure will help parents communicate with teachers and enable them to provide important information and stay more involved with their children’s education. It will also enable educators to provide parents with important information regarding their child and make educators more accessible.
I have been working to ensure that our children have the best education and that our schools operate in the most efficient manner. Last year, I sponsored a new law (Ch.263 of 2005) to increase oversight of school districts statewide. To continue these efforts, the Legislature’s 2006-07 bipartisan budget agreement doubles the money for state Comptroller audits of schools, providing $2.8 million over last year to make sure our tax dollars make it into the classroom.
Money alone cannot achieve our educational goals; we must have accountability and we must have reform. We must involve parents and help enhance their role in our children’s education. I look forward to continue working on measures that make sure that our schools are the very best they can be.
