Education Connection

MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS

Parents, of course, have certain legal rights regarding their child's education. State and school board policies vary, but here is a general summary of your rights in choosing the best education for your child:

From the start you can:

• Choose whether your child goes to a public, parochial, or private school. Home schooling is also an option.
• Choose among schools in your district, although designated attendance areas might be outlined.

Regarding classroom instruction, you have the right to:

• Receive information about what is taught, as well as the methods and materials used.
• Receive information on academic performance.
• Visit your child's classroom (with advance notice to the teacher and the school).
• Request conferences with the teacher or principal.
• Review classroom materials purchased with federal money.
• Receive information about the skills your child is supposed to accomplish in each grade.

Let your voice be heard:

• Participate as a member of advisory committees.
• Attend school board meetings (except for executive sessions on personnel and property issues) and be present at the voting on decisions affecting the school district when general business is discussed.
• Voice your opinion when school policies are being set or revised.

Regarding personal privacy and safety you can:

• Expect that your child will be safe at school.
• Expect supervision of your child at school.
• Have your child excused from certain classes or activities because of your moral or religious beliefs.

Regarding student performance/behavior at school, you can:

• Be informed in advance about school rules, attendance policies, dress codes, procedures for visiting the school, etc.
• Appeal a school decision that affects your child's rights.
• Question a school or teacher's decision to place your child in any special class which labels your child.
• Appeal the suspension of your child (there are some state exceptions).
• Take legal action against a school official if your child has been disciplined with "excessive or unreasonable" physical force.

Regarding testing information, you can:

• Receive information about which tests are given to your child, their purpose, the scores, and how they are used.
• Give permission and receive information on psychological tests given to your child.

Regarding school records, you can:

• Look at all your child's school records. You may challenge any record you believe is inaccurate or unfair. The district or school must respond within a reasonable time.
• Insist school records remain confidential to school personnel, unless you give permission.

Regarding student tracking or grouping, you can:

• Find out if your child has been placed in an ability group. How was this determined? By whom?
• Request your child be removed from a particular "track" if you do not believe it is contributing to his/her success in school or if it seems harmful to your child in any way.

Regarding programs for children with special needs, you can:

• Expect an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment available for your child with a special learning need or disability.
• Insist that your child be tested for any suspected disability.
• Receive notice and opportunity to be heard at each stage of testing and diagnosis in determining appropriate placement for your child.