School Districts and Boards
Engaging actively in your child’s education is not just a responsibility but a profound opportunity to shape their academic and emotional well-being. School districts across the USA recognize the pivotal role parents play in their child’s development. When parents become active participants in their child’s educational journey, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom walls. The establishment of robust parent-school partnerships is essential to create a comprehensive support network for the child, fostering both academic excellence and emotional resilience. Through collaboration, teachers and parents can effectively identify and address any potential obstacles hindering the child’s social and academic growth.
One crucial tool fostering this collaboration is the Parental Notification Policy. This policy serves as a bridge between the school and parents, facilitating a strong partnership of support. It emphasizes the importance of transparent communication, stating that parents should be promptly notified in case of significant physical injury, expressed suicidal intent, or if the child wishes to be identified or treated in a manner inconsistent with the sex on their birth certificate. This policy brings parents into essential conversations about the most critical aspects of their child’s life, ensuring that they are well-informed and actively involved in decisions that impact their child’s well-being and future. Embracing this partnership not only enhances the educational experience but also creates a united front for the holistic development of the child.
Rights of the Parent
While education is primarily a matter for state and local governments, several federal and state laws establish the framework for parental rights. Here’s a brief outline, referencing some pertinent laws:
1. Fundamental Right to Direct the Upbringing and Education of Children:
- The U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children’s upbringing, including education. This right is protected under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. [Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000)]
2. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA):
- FERPA grants parents certain rights regarding their children’s education records, including the right to access, amend, and control the disclosure of these records. [20 U.S.C. § 1232g]
Please see our resource for parents wishing to take advantage of FERPA
3. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):
- IDEA ensures that parents of children with disabilities have the right to participate in the development of their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and decisions related to their education. [20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.]
4. No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB):
- While NCLB has been superseded by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), it previously emphasized parental involvement in schools and included provisions allowing parents to request information about teacher qualifications. [20 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.]
5. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA):
- ESSA continues to emphasize the importance of parental involvement in a child’s education, requiring schools to engage parents in the development and implementation of education programs. [20 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.]
6. Right to Opt-Out of Certain Activities:
- Many states allow parents to opt their children out of certain activities, such as standardized testing or specific classroom content, based on conscientious objections or personal beliefs.
7. First Amendment Protections:
- The First Amendment protects parents’ rights to guide their children’s education in accordance with their religious beliefs. Courts often consider the rights of parents to direct the religious upbringing and education of their children.
8. State Laws and Regulations:
- State education laws vary, and parents’ rights are often further detailed at the state level. This includes the right to homeschool, choose alternative education options, and participate in school governance.
It’s essential to note that the specifics of parental rights may vary by state, and local school districts may have additional policies. Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the relevant state and federal laws and actively engage with their children’s schools to exercise their rights effectively.
Rights of the Child
Children have First Amendment rights. These were upheld in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969) Of course, this is relevant to children who wish to express the view that gender identity is nonsense, they have a fundamental right so to do.
The United States of America has signed, but not ratified, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This means that while the USA agrees with the principles set out in that convention, it has not implemented them. This is primarily because individual states would be responsible for many of its provisions.