A major part of the program involves putting parents in decision-making positions and allowing them to perform meaningful jobs inside the school.

The goal, said several observers and experts at the meeting, was to put parents on at least equal footing with their children.

He put his brothers, sister and parents on budgets.

It has really put parents in a bad spot.

It threatens innocent children yet does little to put dysfunctional parents to work.

So says the education department's new business plan, designed to put parents in the driving seat of the school system.

"We would put single parents in an impossible position," he said.

Even moderate drug use can put parents in an awkward position with their children, inverting the family roles.

"You've got to put parents in classrooms, as well as kids."

But parents often cannot get children back without housing that puts girls, boys and parents in separate bedrooms.