Advocating for Your Child

Advocating for Your Child

As a parent, being an advocate for your child involves standing up for your child and securing the best education and care possible. You know your child better than anyone else and you have the right to share your knowledge about your child’s development with teachers and other school staff.

It is important for you, as your child’s advocate, to be active in your child’s education and know your rights within your school system. Ask questions about how the school functions, and voice any concerns you have about your child’s education.

Your Rights as a Parent in a Public or Private School

• Placing your child in a school that is free from cultural bias or discrimination.
• Observing your child at school and receiving progress reports.
• Being involved in decisions that affect your child’s education.
• Seeing your child’s records and changing incorrect information.
• Having your child’s records kept confidential between you and the school (no one else can see your child’s records without your written consent.

Ways to be Involved in Your Child’s Education

• Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and other staff at the school.
• Take time to observe your child in the classroom.
• Respond to questionnaires and school notices promptly.
• Participate in school activities, such as advisory boards, curriculum committees, the PTA, field trips, open houses and parent-teacher conferences. Offer to volunteer or share a special skill with your child’s class.
• Introduce yourself to other parents at school. They can be a great source of support for solving education-related problems.
• Talk directly to the teacher or any other person who is directly involved in any concerns you have.
• When problems arises, listen to your child’s side of the story first.
• Tell your child’s teacher about your concerns in a calm but firm voice. Give the teacher an opportunity to tell her side of the story.

Questions to Ask Your Child’s School

• How does the school keep children safe? What is the drug and weapon policy?
• What is the discipline policy? Is there a student handbook?
• What classes are required? What are the expectations?
• What will your child’s schedule be like? Is there a homework policy?
• How much homework will be expected? How are students graded?
• What is the process for placing children in classes with special needs?
• What opportunities will I have to talk with the teacher if I have a concern?
• What types of standardized tests will my child be expected to take, and how are the test results used?