Rep. Dawkins-Haigler Introduces Legislation to Require Parent Conferences for Failing Students

ATLANTA (March 10, 2010) – State Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-Lithonia) filed House Bill 1232, legislation requiring a parent-teacher conference when a student receives a failing grade on two consecutive report cards in a course. 

“As a parent of four, I understand the importance of parent-teacher conferences,” said Rep. Dawkins-Haigler. “Parent-teacher conferences give parents and teachers a chance to exchange information and decide the best route to improving a student’s performance. If a child is failing, it is even more crucial that a parent get involved.” 

HB 1232 affects both elementary and secondary students. Under the bill, if a parent willfully and unreasonably fails to attend a conference, then the juvenile court may order the parent to attend the conference or another program deemed appropriate by that court. Failure to follow an order of the court may result in a fine of up to $500.00. 

The legislation has been assigned to the House Committee on Education. A link to the bill can be found by clicking here.