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For the Unfettered Parents
It's back to school time. As parents we send our kids off to school trusting that they will be kept safe and out of harms way. We trust that the school will have our childs' best interests at heart. Is this really the case? As a parent we often don't know the schools policies an any number of matters. Here are a few things that you should check as a parent.
Parental involvement in the educational process
What rights do you have as far as your child being exposed to objectional material as a part of the curriculum? Does the school make available alternate options? While Gayle was in school, her class was required to read "Of Mice and Men." Some parents found this book objectionable due to language. For those students whose parents registered complaints, the students were allowed to read and report on a different book without the objectional content.
Does the Principal have an open door policy for parents
Sometimes personality clashes between teachers and students occur. All sorts of issues can crop up during the school year, does the principal make him or herself available to the parents to discuss these issues? I always met with the principal of Gayle's school to discuss things. I guess it helped that she had the same principal from Kindergarten through 11th grade. I had a great relationship with Ms Benton and a shared goal for Gayle's education.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Okay I understand the reasoning behind zero tolerance policies. We all want our children to learn in a safe environment but what exactly is the policy of your child's school. Does any infraction automatically result in the maximum penalty or is each case evaluated on it's own merits? There is a big difference in a child selling or possessing illicit drugs and a child having an aspirin, but in most cases these are treated exactly the same.
Questioning and Interviewing by Police
Contrary to popular MIS-belief, there is no federal or state laws that prevent the police from questioning and or interrogating your child without your knowledge or permission. The police can and often do use this tactic to avoid dealing with a child's parents. It is perfectly legal for them to do so. Some school districts or local police agencies may adopt a policy preventing this but your child has no legislative protection against being questioned. How well does your child know his or her rights? Do they know that they can refuse to answer the police? Do they understand the consequences of answering those questions? The police do not have to notify you until your child has incriminated themselves and been arrested.
Having a successful student enrolled in school comes from having a concerned parent taking an interest in all aspects of their education, not just a report card. That means knowing as much as you can about the school your child attends, the policies your child is expected to follow and having a good relationship with the teachers and administrators.
Parental involvement in the educational process
What rights do you have as far as your child being exposed to objectional material as a part of the curriculum? Does the school make available alternate options? While Gayle was in school, her class was required to read "Of Mice and Men." Some parents found this book objectionable due to language. For those students whose parents registered complaints, the students were allowed to read and report on a different book without the objectional content.
Does the Principal have an open door policy for parents
Sometimes personality clashes between teachers and students occur. All sorts of issues can crop up during the school year, does the principal make him or herself available to the parents to discuss these issues? I always met with the principal of Gayle's school to discuss things. I guess it helped that she had the same principal from Kindergarten through 11th grade. I had a great relationship with Ms Benton and a shared goal for Gayle's education.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Okay I understand the reasoning behind zero tolerance policies. We all want our children to learn in a safe environment but what exactly is the policy of your child's school. Does any infraction automatically result in the maximum penalty or is each case evaluated on it's own merits? There is a big difference in a child selling or possessing illicit drugs and a child having an aspirin, but in most cases these are treated exactly the same.
Questioning and Interviewing by Police
Contrary to popular MIS-belief, there is no federal or state laws that prevent the police from questioning and or interrogating your child without your knowledge or permission. The police can and often do use this tactic to avoid dealing with a child's parents. It is perfectly legal for them to do so. Some school districts or local police agencies may adopt a policy preventing this but your child has no legislative protection against being questioned. How well does your child know his or her rights? Do they know that they can refuse to answer the police? Do they understand the consequences of answering those questions? The police do not have to notify you until your child has incriminated themselves and been arrested.
Having a successful student enrolled in school comes from having a concerned parent taking an interest in all aspects of their education, not just a report card. That means knowing as much as you can about the school your child attends, the policies your child is expected to follow and having a good relationship with the teachers and administrators.
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