The Bottom Line Parents, You Are Your Child’s First and Most Important Educator
Originally published at Independent WomenParents, as your children head back to school, remember this: You know and love your child best. You are your child’s first and most important educator.
You have a right to know what your child is being taught, what information the school is keeping about your child, and what decisions are being made that affect your child.
Recent court decisions and federal protections have strengthened parental rights.
Here are four rights every parent should know, and what you can do to exercise them.
You Have the Right to Opt Out
Know Your Right: Parents have constitutional protections when school instruction conflicts with their religious beliefs. Recent Supreme Court decisions have strengthened parents’ ability to receive notice and opt their children out of certain instruction.
What To Do: Ask your school for its opt-out policies. Put your request in writing and keep a copy for your records.
GET A CUSTOMIZABLE OPT-OUT LETTER
You Have the Right to Your Child’s Records
Know Your Right: FERPA gives parents the right to access their child’s education records, including certain records involving names, pronouns, gender identity, or other significant school interactions.
What To Do: Request your child’s records in writing. Be specific about what you want to see and document the school’s response.
GET HELP REQUESTING YOUR CHILD’S RECORDS
You Have the Right to Know What Your Child is Being Taught
Know Your Right: Federal law gives parents important rights regarding certain instructional materials and student surveys involving sensitive subjects.
What To Do: Review curriculum, reading lists, instructional materials, and surveys. Ask questions about what is being used in your child’s classroom before concerns arise.
GET A SAMPLE LETTER TO ASSERT YOUR RIGHTS
You Have the Right to Ensure Sex-Separated Spaces
Know Your Right: Title IX protects students from sex discrimination in federally funded schools.
What To Do: Review your school’s policies for bathrooms, locker rooms, athletics, and other sex-separated activities. If you believe your child’s protections are being violated, put your concerns in writing and know your options for filing a complaint.
LEARN HOW TO FILE A TITLE IX COMPLAINT
Stay Informed. Stay Engaged. Speak Up. Take Action.
No one matters more in a child’s life than parents, and your involvement can make all the difference for your child.
Click HERE to watch Keri D. Ingraham’s interview on Tiffany Meier Tonight on NTD.