What I meant by the gradebook is more that parents constantly hold teachers accountable! You would not believe how many emails my teachers get if they don't grade a test and post it online within just a few days :-) It's just expected of them that it's part of their job. It's not an "extra" skill to be organized, efficient and provide parent contact regularly.
FWIW, my school is a public charter.
That is extremely interesting, because my other son is at a charter and the culture there is more like what you describe. We haven't been there long, but already I've been surprised at some of the emails parents will sent out - if they see an issue they will address it aggressively and hit reply all! The parents at this school are involved in coaching academic teams, raising money for the school, and organizing supply drives.
At my other son's school it seems like the parents (actually just the mothers) are extremely willing volunteers, but nobody ever criticizes anything and all the volunteer work is stuff like organizing class parties and buying presents for the teachers and carving pumpkins.
Very, very different cultures. I think I fit better with the complainers. They may be demanding, but they care about the things I care about and we are thrilled with the school!
