New Education Department checklist aims to help parents engage, assist children in school

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration has released a checklist of questions parents should be asking schools about their children’s education.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan says parents want the best for their children but it can be hard for them to know how to support their child’s education. He says engaging with their educators is a good place to start.

The checklist is divided into sets of questions officials say parents should ask educators. The questions cover areas like quality of education, how progress is measured and school safety.

The Education Department partnered with the United Negro College Fund, the national Parent-Teacher Association and other organizations to create the guide for parents and caregivers. The checklist was released Friday.