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Will Parental Leave Laws Impact Education in Michigan? A law has been introduced in Michigan to make it easier for parents to be involved in their kids’ education. But will it make a difference? Following the path of 12 other states, Michigan is considering enactment of a “parental leave law.” This is not an enhancement of the current federal Family and Medical Leave Act. It will require employers to “provide unpaid leave for employees to attend academic activities of their children…and prohibit discrimination against employees who request or use the leave,” (Proposed HB4898, introduced on 9/7/2011) Maintaining the delicate balance between work and home has been an ongoing challenge to parents for many years. Parents go to work with guilt feelings when they cannot make a school concert or accompany their child’s class on the annual trip to the cider mill. Parents may call in sick, take a vacation day, or an extended lunch to be at a school party or a teacher conference. Others have resigned to not being able to participate, while some are ok with letting other parents take up the slack. The proposed legislation would require businesses to allow an employee up to eight hours of unpaid leave, per child, per academic school year. It is hoped that parental participation in school activities will give parents a better understanding of what schools are trying to accomplish. Making attendance at activities more convenient may increase the partnership between school, child and parent, and result in improved learning results. Opponents of this bill say this is not necessary—employees have PTO time to use, and Their children’s conferences/activities should be scheduled after work hours. That assumes everyone has a “9-5” job, and that PTO is not being used up to care for children when they are sick. Amounts of leave vary by state: Nevada and North Carolina offer only 4 hours per year, while California offers 40 hours. Most states include criteria such as a maximum usage of 4 hours per month, and may require use of PTO time. The Michigan law, if passed as written, offers minimal time off. However, the state’s recognition of the importance of parental involvement in their children’s education is critical. Let’s hope it makes a difference!