There is some logic to developing a written statement setting out expected conduct for parents in dealing with teachers, administrators and other school staff.  We already have written expectations for everybody else in the school community.  Kids are subject to the Student Code of Conduct.  All school employees must comply with the district’s policies.  Educators have a Code of Ethics, and board members usually adopt one for themselves. But many districts have nothing laying out what is expected of parents.

Chapter 26 of the Texas Education Code is entitled “Parental Rights and Responsibilities.”  But we have studied it carefully and have yet to find the “responsibilities” part.

So there is a vacuum here that could be filled with some locally developed statement of general expectations.  However, we would urge you not to call this a “code of conduct.”  That term generally comes from a higher level of authority imposing a set of rules that it will enforce, usually through negative consequences.  You can’t put mom in the DAEP.  You can’t make dad go to Saturday school.  Nor can you punish a student on account of inappropriate behavior by the parent.  So if you did something like this, you would have to understand that it is just an aspirational document—a set of goals.

Moreover, to have legitimacy, a statement of parental expectations ought to come directly from the parents.  Why not form a committee of parents and charge them with coming up with a set of general principles and expectations that the district can endorse?

We came across one set of parental expectations that was developed by a private school. It starts with the basics: “I will have my child in school on time every day with the necessary school supplies and appropriate dress.”

But then it got personal:  “I will show respect for the teacher and any other adult in authority in front of my child at all times, regardless of what I may think of their actions or say to them in private.”

“I will set a good example for my child through my own speech and behavior.”

“I will stop rumors.  I will go through the proper channels when I have a problem.”

“I will never lie to… the principal, or teachers to protect my child from the consequences of his/her behavior.”

Just imagine what might happen if everyone adhered to those promises.

DAWG BONE: PARENTS ARE THE CHILD’S FIRST TEACHERS.  WHAT DO YOU EXPECT OF THEM?