Columbia, S.C. - Governor Jim Hodges today signed S. 1164, the Parental Involvement in their Children’s Education Act.

"Parents, teachers and state government all have a responsibility to take an active role in the education of our children," Hodges said. "This new law sets high expectations for parental involvement, and I am confident that we will exceed these expectations."

The new law directs the State Department of Education, the Education Oversight Committee, local school boards and school superintendents to promote increased parental involvement in schools.

The State Department of Education will promote parental involvement in grades K-12, and sponsor statewide conferences on the best practices to encourage parents to take an active role in their child's education.

School districts are directed to provide faculty and staff training in parental involvement techniques prior to the 2002-03 school year.

The Education Oversight Committee will partner with the Department of Revenue and the Department of Commerce to develop employer tax credits to provide release time for parent-teacher conferences and other initiatives to promote a family-friendly workplace.