Parental communication: teacher meetings.

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not specify that it sets up a reimbursement system, only that if mandated costs are found, existing procedures will apply.

Parental Communication: Teacher Meetings

The bill gives parents or guardians who cannot attend meetings in person the right to communicate with their child's teacher using phone calls or video chats.

What This Bill Does

• Gives parents and guardians the right to talk to teachers by phone or video if they cannot meet in person.
• Removes outdated references from existing laws.

Who It Names or Affects

• Parents or guardians who want to communicate with teachers but cannot meet in person.
• Public schools that must provide this new communication method.
• Local educational agencies responsible for operating public schools.

Terms To Know

State-mandated local program

A program where the state requires local agencies or school districts to do something, even if it costs them money.

Reimbursement

Money given back by the state to help cover costs that local agencies or schools have to pay because of new rules from the state.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify how much it will cost or who is responsible for providing the technology.
• It is unclear what happens if a school cannot provide phone calls or video chats due to lack of resources.

Official Summary Text

SB 1412, as amended, Rubio.
Elementary and secondary education.
Parental communication: teacher meetings.
Existing law provides that parents and guardians of children enrolled in public schools have the right and should have the opportunity, as mutually supportive and respectful partners in the education of their children within the public schools, to be informed by the school, and to participate in the education of their children, as specified, including by, among other things, meeting with their child’s teacher or teachers and the principal of the school in which their child is enrolled within a reasonable time of their request.
This bill would provide that parents or guardians of children enrolled in publc schools also have the right to communicate with
their child’s teacher using a 2-way telephonic service or a 2-way audiovisual platform if the parent or guardian is unable to attend a meeting in person. By imposing new duties on public schools, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The bill would delete an obsolete reference.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law establishes a system of public elementary and secondary schools in this state and authorizes local educational agencies throughout the state to operate schools and provide instruction to pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact future legislation relating to elementary and secondary education.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF