WASHINGTON -- The Department of Education's monthly TV show, "Education News Parents Can Use," kicks off its 2003-04 season on Tuesday night by spotlighting how the No Child Left Behind law empowers parents to help their children succeed in school.

Hundreds of cable outlets across the nation will carry the program -- many live -- from 8-9 p.m., EDT. In Washington, the program will appear live on Channel 28, the D.C. Public Schools cable channel.

A complete listing of viewer options is posted at http://registerevent.ed.gov/. In addition, the program will be webcast at www.connectlive.com/events/ednews/.

"Thanks to No Child Left Behind, parents have more authority than ever to hold their schools accountable for promoting educational excellence, while empowering them with choices to assure that their children receive the best education possible," said Education Secretary Rod Paige. "We encourage parents to tune in and see all of the benefits available to them as we begin an exciting new school year."

Tuesday's broadcast will address such issues as:

• How does the law empower parents to ensure their children get the best possible education?
• What types of information is available to parents on the academic performance of their child's school and the quality of their teachers?
• How does annual testing and reporting hold schools accountable for achieving results?
• What options exist for parents whose children attend underperforming or unsafe schools?
• What are "supplemental educational services" and how can they help children achieve?
• What are the most effective ways for parents to get involved in and support their child's education?

Among the guests will be Deputy Under Secretary for Innovation and Improvement Nina Rees, who oversees the parent choice programs under No Child Left Behind, and Anne Arundel County, Md., Schools Superintendent Eric Smith.

Others guests include: Linda Reksten, a former principal in Burbank, Calif.; Jacqueline Simmons, a parent leader at Disney Elementary in Burbank; John Schroer, school board chairman in Franklin, Tenn.; and Pastor Jeffrey Dennis, executive director of the Project A.G.A.P.E. tutoring program in Akron, Ohio.

"Education News Parents Can Use" is broadcast on the third Tuesday of every month during the school year. The show offers one-on-one interviews, how-to demonstrations, and brief conversations with parents, educators and community leaders. Viewers can call in questions to a phone number that will be posted on the screen. Details about the series are available at: http://www.ed.gov/news/av/video/edtv/index.html.

The next program, "Keeping Your Child Safe at Home and in School," airs on Oct. 21.

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