California Parent Trigger Controversy Closely Watched Nationwide

The Los Angeles Times (2/28, Watanabe, Times, 630K) reports that "California's parent trigger efforts have been closely watched nationwide, as more than 20 other states have considered similar legislation." Under the law, "parents at low-performing schools, who represent at least half the students, to force changes in staffing and curriculum, close the campus or convert to a charter school." However, "in a stunning setback" for the first time the law was used, the school board of Adelanto, California, "unanimously rejected" such a petition, "announced that parents of one-fifth of the students had rescinded their signatures, and set the stage for another bruising battle over the controversial law." There are accusations that petition supporters misled parents into signing it.