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Parents' Rights
Family Involvement
This is the Web version of a
document developed by the California Department of Education in response to
California law that specifies the legal rights of parents to participate in
their children's education (Chapter 864, Statutes of 1998).
In a democracy parents and
guardians are encouraged and welcomed to become involved in the formal education
of their children enrolled in public schools. This early and consistent parental
involvement helps children to do well academically. When this involvement is
combined with a partnership between home and school, the student, the school,
and the community benefit.
Parents and guardians of
enrolled students have the right to be included in the educational process and
to have access to the system on behalf of their children. These rights are
outlined in Chapter 864, Statutes of 1998:
Education Code Section 51101(c)
notes: "This section may not be construed so as to authorize a school to inform
a parent or guardian, . . . or to permit participation by a parent or guardian
in the education of a child, if it conflicts with a valid restraining order,
protective order, or order for custody or visitation issued by a court of
competent jurisdiction." (Chapter 864, Statutes of 1998, Education Code Sections
51100 - 51102)
Classroom Observing Parents have the right to visit their child's classroom to observe activities. The time and date of the visitation must be arranged in advance with the school. Teacher Conferencing Parents have the right to request a conference with their child's teacher(s) or the principal. Parents should contact the school to schedule a date and time convenient to all participants.
Volunteering Parents have the right to volunteer their time and resources for the improvement of school facilities and programs. Parents should contact the school to determine the terms and conditions of this service. Student Attendance Parents have the right to be notified in a timely manner if their child is absent from school without permission. Student Testing Parents have the right to be notified of their child's performance on standardized and state-wide tests and the school's ranking on these tests. (Under other state law, parents may request that their child not participate in the statewide tests.) School Selection Parents have the right to request that their child be enrolled in any school in the district. The district is not compelled to grant the request. Safe School Environment Parents have the right and are entitled to the assurance of a safe and supportive learning environment for their child. Curriculum Materials Parents have the right to examine the curriculum materials of the class or classes in which their child is enrolled. Student Academic Progress Parents have the right to be informed of their child's academic progress in school and of the persons to contact if they wish more information or assistance with their child. Student Records Parents have the right to access their child's records and to question anything they feel is inaccurate or misleading or an invasion of privacy. Parents have the right to a timely response from the school district about their questions. Standards Parents have the right to receive information regarding the academic standards their child is expected to meet. School Rules Parents have the right to receive written notification of school rules, attendance policies, dress codes, and procedures for school visitations. Psychological Testing Parents have the right to receive information on all psychological testing recommended for their child. Councils and Committees Parents have the right to participate as a member of a parent advisory committee, school-site council, or site-based management leadership team in accordance with established rules and regulations for membership. Parents also have the right to attend at least two meetings per year scheduled by the school to get information on school issues and activities. Policy Development Parents and guardians have the right and should be given the opportunity to work in a mutually supportive and respectful partnership with the school to help their child succeed. The governing board of each school district shall adopt a jointly created policy that outlines how parents and guardians, school staff, and students may share the responsibility for the intellectual, physical, emotional, social development, and well-being of their students. This policy shall include, but is not limited to:
Beyond High School
In addition to the rights
described in Education Code Sections 51100-51102, students and parents have the
right to be informed of college entrance requirements. It is critically
important to know how to assist those students who choose to pursue a college
education.
Students and parents need to
know the series of college preparatory classes to take in high school. The
minimum requirements vary, depending on the selected college or university. The
a-g requirements noted below are submitted by the Regents of the University of
California and are, generally, the most rigorous:
To gain admission to college,
students must also take and submit scores from either the Scholastic Aptitude
Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). Your child's high school
counseling office can provide the testing dates and locations.
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| © Southridge Middle School 14500 Live Oak Avenue, Fontana, CA 92337 Phone: 909-357-5420 |
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