lawprofessors

By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 California Education Code 51101 has a handy list of public school parents' rights neatly packaged for use when push comes to shove in California schools.  Some of these rights may come as a surprise to parents who are being denied a simple parent-teacher conference, can't get their child's records, are denied volunteer opportunities, were never given the school policies, or are having other difficulties in the public school environment. Section 51101 affords the following rights to California public school parents (be advised this is an abbreviated list and is paraphrased): 1)  To be "mutually supportive and respectful partners" with the school. 2)  Within a reasonable time to observe their child's current classroom(s) and/or future classrooms if transferring. 3)  To meet with the teacher(s) or principal within a reasonable time of their request. 4)  To volunteer in the school or class...

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 ...