On Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives voted with bipartisan support to require teachers to post their classroom curriculum online so parents can see what their children are learning and being presented with. passed the bill.

The Parents' Right to Know bill is sponsored by Senate Pro Tempore Greg Reed (R-Jasper). The bill was passed in the House by Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper).

The bill would also require each teacher, upon request, to make available to parents of children enrolled in the class all instructional materials, supplementary materials, and books available to the student in the classroom. It will be mandatory.

“This bill would require that the curriculum used in each K-12 public school classroom be posted on the school's website at the beginning of each calendar year or within 30 days after the new or revised curriculum is adopted. We are required to do so,” said Rep. Woods.

“Submissions will be reviewed by local superintendents and local school boards.” The bill's goal is to provide an easily accessible way for parents and guardians to review their child's curriculum so they can better engage with their child's education. is to provide. This bill provides transparency and communication, both of which are beneficial factors for student success. ”

RELATED: Parents' right to know: Alabama Senate passes bill requiring school curriculum to be made available to parents

The bill includes a grievance procedure for parents who have concerns about the content included in the curriculum.

“I have two young daughters, so I'm thinking about education. We're taking a hard look at it,” said Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville).

“I think this is a completely common sense bill. If you look at it, parents need to know what curriculum their child is learning. They receive a progress report card so they know how they are doing. So it's nice to know what they're learning and what they're progressing in. That's good for the parents. It's good for the teachers. Right. It's working on a common trend so both sides know what's out there and what they're learning. So I just want to say thank you for bringing it. Upvote. I am proud to cast my vote,” said Congressman Lomax.

“I've shared with you how important I believe transparency in education is, and this bill would allow parents to direct their children's education,” said Congressman Arnold Mooney (R-Ind.). This is a step towards the process of becoming more and more accommodating.” Springs).

“The ability for parents to do this and ask questions about what they are teaching their children is a process that is given to us young leaders, especially in public schools, because we have the opportunity to have transparency that we didn't have before. I believe it is essential.'' Compared to people who are apathetic, if you look at the turnout in the recent election, the turnout among young people under the age of 35 is surprisingly low. ”

Congressman John Rogers (D-Birmingham). “Most parents are not educators.”

State Rep. Kenneth Paschall (R-Pelham) introduced an amendment to the bill that would protect the privacy of parents or guardians filing complaints on behalf of their children.

RELATED: Governor Ivey signs school choice bill, Alabama will lead nation in educational freedom in 2024

SB48 passed the House on a 99-3 vote, with only Democratic Reps. Mary Moore, John Rogers, and Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville) voting against it.

The Alabama Republican Party released a statement praising the bill.

“SB48 protects the rights of parents by increasing transparency in school curriculum. This law gives parents unrestricted access to their children's courses and related materials, giving parents control over their children's education. You will be able to hold it.”

The bill has been changed by the House of Representatives and will now go back to the Senate to consider the House's changes. State Sen. Greg Reed, the bill's author, said Alabama schools are “doing an incredible job with our young students.”

“This bill provides opportunities for educators and educators.” parentsTo come together and be aligned on what's happening in the classroom. We want educators to continue to do their jobs well. parents It's about investing as much as we can in the education of our children,” Reid said when the bill passed the Senate.

“The majority of Alabama schools are already implementing this policy, and uniform implementation of similar measures across the state will help build collaboration between schools and families across the state. .”

To contact the author of this story or comment, send an email [email protected]