SPRINGFIELD – To increase communication between schools and students, State Senator Laura Murphy is leading a measure to include parents in meetings regarding students being transferred to alternative schools.

“When transferred to an alternative school, students and their families are often left in the dark,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It is essential that students and their parents know the requirements to return to the regular school when it is in their best interests. Transparency is key.”

Alternative schools are designed to educate students who have not been successful in regular schools, due to either behavioral or discipline issues. Both the sending school and the alternative school hold meetings regarding the student and establish an alternative education plan for them. Murphy’s measure would ensure that students and their parents or guardians are invited to participate in the meetings.

Before the effective date of the student’s transfer, the parents or guardians must be provided with the specific nature of the curriculum, number of students in the school, available services, disciplinary policies, typical daily schedule and extracurricular activities, under Murphy’s proposal.

“Transfers to alternative schools are meant to ensure the student is successful –they are meant to aid in educating students who are not flourishing in traditional environments,” Murphy said. “We want them to succeed – that is why it’s best to keep lines of communication open and establish expectations for the student to succeed.”

Senate Bill 183 passed the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday. It now goes to the Senate floor for further deliberation.