Talking Point provides a forum for teachers and parents to engage in passionate and honest debate about the issues that really matter to them. This programme discusses "parent power".
Zaiba Malik reports on the government's white paper vision, whilst Sheena McDonald is joined in the studio by a set of parents and teachers who share their views and opinions on the matter in a heated debate.
We hear from a variety of people with a range of views:
- Secondary teacher Tom Bauer, who is very enthusiastic about parent power
- Secondary head Terry Creissen, who is sceptical about parents having too much say in the running of schools
- Former parent-governor Elena Joseph, who finds the education system increasingly favourable to the middle classes
- Parent to four children Dion Peters, who argues for her right to have ultimate say in the schooling of her children
Can the panel see eye-to-eye and agree on whether the government has got it right? Does their discussion lead them to recognise the difference between parental involvement and parent power?
