Bill would outlaw missing teacher talks

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- A bill introduced to the Texas state legislature in Austin would make it illegal for parents to miss conferences with their children's teachers.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Wayne Smith, R-Baytown, would sent truant parents to criminal court on a Class C misdemeanor charge, the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram reported Wednesday.

The proposed law has sparked outrage and indignation among some parents.

"It's crazy," said Paula Taylor, Fort Worth mother of two public school children. "I don't think it's fair."

Reaction among educators ranges from amusement to concern.

"I'm thrilled that the Legislature recognizes that parents, students and the school have to work together," said Kathleen Gilbert, a ninth-grade world geography teacher. "But it's a little severe.

"I don't think we've done a good enough job yet of making parents feel that their input is as necessary as it is. We're only starting, at some schools, to give parents the opportunity to have input. We need to make them feel welcome."