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By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 Expulsion from school can be devastating for students.  The expelled child may not be able to return to a regular school, is denied access to district or school activities, and are unsure how they will be educated during the term of the expulsion.  Many parents believe that once expelled, their child will be stuck at home twiddling their thumbs.  Not necessarily so. Per California Education Code �48916.1 , students who are expelled, although not entitled to attend their "typical" or "regular" school, remain entitled to an education: "At the time an expulsion...is ordered, the governing board of the school district shall ensure that an educational program is provided to the pupil who is subject to the expulsion order for the period of the expulsion." The program to be provided, however, cannot be located at the school where the student previously attended and may not even be located in ...

By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 Okay- you are going along in life, minding your own business.  Your kids are fine, attending school, seem to be able to read and all is right with the world when suddenly, you receive a letter, call, or see sky writing telling you that your son who attends Local High School is now INVOLUNTARILY TRANSFERRED to the... CONTINUATION SCHOOL!  Can the district do this?  Yes they can, provided they jump through a few hoops. First hoop: per California Education Code section 48432.5  notice of the intent to involuntarily transfer cannot come by sky writing, but must come via written notice.  In other words, you receive a letter which must state that an involuntary transfer is pending, but that you have a right to request a meeting with a school district representative.  Note this meeting will not just occur- you have to request it.  Please do. Second hoop:  If you request the meeting, ...

By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 Does a parent really need an attorney to help them resolve and/or represent them at a school expulsion hearing?  Yes, yes and yes! Expulsions are serious matters and result in a permanent mark on the student's record which can arise later in life, such as during application to college and when attempting to get certain jobs (this even comes up when applying to be an attorney).  Additionally, once expelled, a student cannot return to their school district for a set period of time and may have to attend school in a less savory environment, such as a continuation school.  And, if an expelled student does not meet the "rehabilitation plan" terms in the expulsion, they may never return to that district. Parents are also going up against folks who "do this for a living" who are ultimately familiar with the expulsion hearing rules and requirements e.g. for witnesses, for evidence, for procedure, an...