lawprofessors

By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 Earlier this week, a parent allegedly punched and injured an elementary school principal in Stockton, California.  According to the individuals interviewed in a Fox 40 ( KTXL )   video (see video below), this was supposed to be because of a t-shirt the student wore.  Apparently the parent thought her son was being targeted based on race.  I cannot comment on any of the alleged facts in the matter, BUT can discuss dress codes, opting out of them, and even gang-related apparel. First, per California Education Code section 35183 , schools may implement a dress code and may impose a requirement that students wear a uniform to school.  If a school chooses to go the uniform route, they are to provide no less than six months notice of the proposed change.  They are also to provide some sort of means by which low income families can afford the uniforms. If a family does not want to have their ...

By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 Special education can be very confusing for parents.  As such, I made a short video which goes over some Individualized Education Program (IEP) basics, how to prepare for the IEP, and tips to improve the special education process. Please watch my video here to find the inside scoop: I hope this helps all the parents out there trying to get a more appropriate placement for their children. Best, Michelle Ball Education Law Attorney LAW OFFICE OF MICHELLE BALL 717 K Street, Suite 228 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916-444-9064 Fax: 916-444-1209 Website: http://www.edlaw4students.com/ Blog: http://edlaw4students.blogspot.com/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/michelleaball Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/EdLaw4Students Please see my disclaimer on the bottom of my blog page [ http://edlaw4students.blogspot.com/ ]. This is legal information, not legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is formed by this post...

By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 What happens when your child is put up for expulsion?  What is the process?  What happens at the expulsion hearing?  Who handles expulsion appeals? Check out my video now to find out! This video breaks down the process and provides an outline of what usually happens in California school expulsion matters, from the suspension and expulsion recommendation through hearing and appeal. Best, Michelle Ball Education Law Attorney LAW OFFICE OF MICHELLE BALL 717 K Street, Suite 228 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916-444-9064 Fax: 916-444-1209 Website: http://www.edlaw4students.com/ Blog: http://edlaw4students.blogspot.com/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/michelleaball Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/EdLaw4Students Please see my disclaimer on the bottom of my blog page [ http://edlaw4students.blogspot.com/ ]. This is legal information, not legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is formed by this postin...

By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 One of the vaguest and most troublesome sections of the California Education Code for public school students is the portion which allows schools to suspend, or even expel, students for disruption or defiance.  The problem with this is that the code can be (and is) applied to practically every type of behavior which brings extra work or difficulty to the school staff (what doesn't?).  Parents need to know what is going on when they receive a call saying their child is being suspended for disruption or defiance. Under section 48900(k) of the Education Code , a child may be punished if they: Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties. Now, isn't that clear? This is the "catch-all" discipline section of the Education Code.  It catches almos...

Posted by Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 [The below is a reprint of a useful pamphlet regarding the transition from high school to college and disabled students' rights in college, courtesy of the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights] More and more high school students with disabilities are planning to continue their education in postsecondary schools, including vocational and career schools, two- and four- year colleges, and universities. As a student with a disability, you need to be well informed about your rights and responsibilities as well as the responsibilities postsecondary schools have toward you. Being well informed will help ensure you have a full opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the postsecondary education experience without confusion or delay. The information in this pamphlet, provided by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U. S. Department of Education, explains the rights and responsibilities o...