lawprofessors

By  Michelle Ball , California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 What will happen to Johnny if he has a gun, knife, explosive, or dangerous object on campus without permission?  We all know the usual answer, but according to the California legislature, it will depend on whether Johnny has permission to possess the item. Under California Education Code section 48900(b) , students may be suspended or placed up for expulsion if they: "Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished a firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object,  unless, in the case of possession of an object of this type, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the principal or the designee  of the principal." So, if Johnny has a gun, sells a gun, or provides a gun to someone, he can be suspended or expelled.  Same difference with a knife or explosive, which seems fairly self-explanatory. With the "danger...

By  Michelle Ball , California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 Interdistrict transfers (move of student from one school district to another at parent request) are common events.  A parent does not like where their child attends school,  the district programs available (e.g. no GATE), wants their child closer to work, or otherwise wants to move their child.  They then request a transfer to another school district.  Once that transfer request is granted, can the school require students to reapply year after year for a transfer?  No. Per California Education Code section 46600 , two school districts may enter an agreement to accept students of  the other district.  Once accepted on an interdistrict transfer, however: "[T]he pupil shall not have to reapply for an interdistrict transfer, and the governing board of the school district of enrollment shall allow the pupil to continue to attend the school in which he or she is enrolled." This i...

By  Michelle Ball , California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 Roseville Joint Unified School District has an important deadline approaching Monday October 17, 2011 that parents must be aware of if they have been wishing to change schools.  As the District was identified as failing in certain areas, under No Child Left Behind, they are now obligated to allow students from Adelante High School, Roseville High School and Antelope High School to transfer to Granite Bay High School, Oakmont High School, or Woodcreek High School. See below for an email sent to me by a parent regarding this issue.  So, act now, if you want to move.  Also, see the District website and their announcement and form . "For Immediate Release:                                     For Further Information, Please ...

By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 When a school pressures a family to have their child evaluated for a mental illness, usually for special education, it can be a very confusing time.  But before parents "give in," they owe it to their child to conduct a thorough and thoughtful evaluation of all possible causes and solutions to the situation.  Labeling a child with a mental illness, such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ED (Emotional Disturbance), ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder), or some other mental disorder, is a life-changing decision which not only alters the child's life forever, but also opens the door to potential mind-altering drugs to "control" the child's classroom issues. Since 1995 I have been helping parents and students in all types of school matters, and I have represented parents both in and out of the special education system.  I have also assisted a handful of parents who fought a...