As more state legislatures join the debate on school-choice and parent-trigger legislation, their discussions draw attention to an evolving landscape outside school walls where parental action shapes educational opportunity. Parents wield their political, social, economic, and cultural capital to secure the best educational outcomes for their…

Asserts that many privileged parents are sacrificing other children to their own and mortgaging their own children's lives. Affluent high-achievers often back ultraconservatives' efforts to derail detracking reforms, believing education is competitive and their children deserve more consideration than have-nots. Principals must appeal to parents'…