Source: NC Policy Watch
An update surrounding applications submitted by parents hoping to serve on a new state K-12 Parent Advisory Commission is drawing concerns about inclusion and diversity.
In late February, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) announced its new Parent Advisory Commission to “elevate the voices of parents in the education of their children”. Parents were able to submit applications from February 23 to March 31, to participate in the commission that would be made up of 48 parents or guardians from across the state –six from each of the state’s eight education regions.
The NCDPI received about 3,500 applications, but only 693 or 80% will be considered due to incompletion, according to NC Policy Watch.
Concerns over the inclusion of parents across the state have been expressed by many, as the selection process itself gives little leeway of representation for parents who have children attending public schools.
“My concern is about the inclusion of all parents, particularly those who are least likely to have a voice in the system,” stated Board Member James Ford last month.
This comes after advocates pointed out the issue of inclusion and diversity within the new Parent Advisory Commission – sending a letter to state schools Superintendent Catherine Truitt with recommendations that would have addressed these concerns.
Despite their recommendations to make the commission more accessible and representative of parents within the state, the newest update surrounding the commission’s applicants shows that Truitt ignored implementing these measures.
This omission calls into question whether Truitt is truly elevating “the voice of parents in students’ education” or the voices favorable to her own interests.
