Who is squeezing the "Parent Trigger Law" trigger

"Politics Gets In The Way of Strong School Reform," an editorial in the SF Chronicle, February 20, 2011

http://articles.sfgate.com/2011-02-20/opinion/28613145_1_school-board-parents-charter

This editorial discusses California's "Parent Trigger" law which passed in 2010 and allows parents of students in chronically failing schools to file a petition demandig major changes, including charter conversion. 75 of California's 9000 schools would be eligible. Almost immediately, parents of children at an elementary school in Compton tested the law. The School District and the state school superintendent are trying to stop the parents from using the law. They claim it is poorly written and needs revision. One of the problems is any group (not just parents) can file for the petition.

Jo A.S. Los, wrote in the Sacramento Bee, Feb. 9, 2011, that well-intended as the law may be, it does not address many issues that could impact students, parents and teachers. Namely: anyone can start a petition to create a charter school; no accurate or indepth information or analysis need be provided by a group trying to charter a new school; reviews or analysis of promises made by groups seeking a charter are not mandated; and the petition needs no disclaimer as to who is seeking the charter.

She said, "Here's the bottom line: Parents must have access to as much information as possible about all options before they are asked to sign a document that could fundamentally affect the education their children receive."

This is good story about the proposed law and you can find it in the Sacramento Bee:

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/02/09/3387709/parent-trigger-law-should-be-stronger.html#ixzz1G2yAyRdV

The editorial says that the State Board of Education should get out of the way of parents and not put the needs and wants of teachers and administrators over those of the community. I don't see the logic here, as it appears the law, while well-intentioned, is poorly written. Especially if it allows any group to start a charter petition. Clearly, the parents reaction in Compton proves the law is needed, but this is a complex issue, and it requires legislation that is up to the challenge. Otherwise, it could do more harm than good.