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information asymmetry

Information asymmetry refers to situations where one party has significantly more information than another, creating an imbalance in understanding and decision-making. In school advocacy, school districts and staff often have greater access to internal policies, documentation, incident reports, and institutional processes than families do. Parents may be asked to make decisions or respond to situations without having access to the same records, context, or procedural knowledge as the school. This imbalance can make it difficult for families to fully understand what has happened, what options are available, or how decisions are being made. Information asymmetry can also affect how quickly families recognise patterns of concern or know when to escalate an issue. Reducing information asymmetry—through transparent communication, clear documentation, and access to records—helps create more equitable and accountable decision-making processes.