What's A 'Family Friendly' School? Indiana Lawmaker Proposes Letting IDOE Decide

Kyle Stokes / StateImpact Indiana

Parents pack into a large common room in the back of Charter School of the Dunes on a recent Thursday night. They’re here to watch student presentations — but the charter situation is clearly on everyone’s minds.

From IPBS statehouse reporter Brandon Smith:

State lawmakers want to help parents find out whether their child’s school is family friendly. Legislation unanimously approved by a House committee Tuesday aims to increase parental involvement in education.

Legislation authored by Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, would direct the Department of Education to develop the “Family Friendly School Designation.” It would allow schools to apply to the state agency for the title that signals a strong level of family and parental involvement in student education.

The Department of Education would develop the exact guidelines for what makes a school family friendly. Rogers says that could include teachers who help parents understand the best ways to help their children with homework.

Indiana state schools chief Glenda Ritz supports the move, Smith reports. A representative for the superintendent’s office says Ritz feels the designation ties in with her focus on literacy.