1. What rights do parents have in their child’s education?
Answer:
Parents have the right to:
Access their child’s educational records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Be involved in decisions affecting their child’s education, such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or disciplinary actions.
Opt their child out of certain activities, like sex education or standardized testing, depending on state laws.
2. Can parents review school curricula and teaching materials?
Answer:
Yes, most schools allow parents to review curricula and teaching materials, and some states require schools to provide access upon request. Parents may also raise concerns about specific content.
3. What is FERPA, and how does it protect my child’s privacy?
Answer:
FERPA gives parents the right to:
Access their child’s educational records.
Request corrections to inaccurate or misleading information.
Control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information, except in cases such as emergencies or court orders.
Read Also:
- https://quantumlawsolutions.com/10-frequently-asked-questions-about-students-rights-and-protections/
- https://quantumlawsolutions.com/5-key-questions-about-special-education-laws-answered/
- https://quantumlawsolutions.com/12-questions-on-legal-rights-in-higher-education/
4. Can schools punish my child without telling me?
Answer:
Schools may not necessarily notify parents of minor offenses. For suspension or expulsion, though, schools are usually required to give notice and allow parents to be involved in the hearings.
5. Do schools have to make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities?
Answer:
Yes, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, schools must provide accommodations or services to meet the needs of students with disabilities through IEPs or 504 Plans.
6. Can parents refuse to vaccinate their child for school entry?
Answer:
Most states mandate vaccinations to attend school, but also allow medical exemptions. Other states also grant religious or personal belief exemptions, although laws are widely varied.
7. May parents exempt their child from standardized testing?
Response:
This is based on state and district policies. Some states permit parents to exempt their children from standardized tests, but others require them to participate in the assessment of school accountability.
8. What are my rights if my child is being bullied?
Answer:
Parents can:
Request an investigation from the school.
File a formal complaint if the bullying involves discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics (covered by federal laws like Title IX).
Escalate concerns to the school district or state education department if the school does not take appropriate action.