Establishes requirements for public schools regarding parents and curricula
Impact
The bill prohibits school districts and public schools from requiring non-disclosure agreements for parental review of curricula, thus ensuring that parents can freely access and copy curriculum documents. Additionally, it stipulates that no student may participate in school activities like assemblies or field trips without written parental consent, further emphasizing the need for parental involvement in educational matters. These changes aim to reinforce parents' roles in their children’s education while addressing their concerns about what is taught in schools.
Summary
House Bill 1474, titled the Parents' Bill of Rights Act of 2022, introduces significant amendments to Missouri's education laws focused on enhancing parental control and transparency regarding their children's education. The bill outlines the rights of parents, allowing them to access information about their child's education, including curricula, instructional materials, and the personnel involved in their child's teaching. This empowers parents to better understand and engage with what their children are learning in school.
Contention
One of the critical points of contention surrounding HB 1474 focuses on its provisions related to critical race theory (CRT). The bill explicitly prohibits teaching any curriculum that implements CRT, as well as specific initiatives like the 1619 Project, which have been contentious topics in educational and political debates. Supporters of the bill argue that it prevents indoctrination of children with what they perceive as divisive content, while opponents contend that it restricts academic freedom and undermines important discussions about race and history. This aspect of the bill has sparked vigorous public discourse about educational content and parental rights in education.