Title IX is the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. It reaches sexual harassment, sexual assault, unequal treatment in school programs and sports, and retaliation against students who speak up. It applies to students on both sides of a complaint: the student who reports misconduct… Read more »
A parent emails a teacher about a child who is being mocked and shoved. The teacher promises to watch for it. A counselor holds a meeting. Weeks later, the insults continue online, and the pushing happens again in the hallway. The parent has sent several emails and received little in return. Families in this position… Read more »
California charter schools are public schools. They receive public funding, serve public-school students, and are part of the state’s public education system. But they operate under a different legal framework than traditional school districts, and that difference matters in enrollment, discipline, special education, and governance disputes. For parents, the key question is often: does my… Read more »
Schools collect substantial information about students: academic records, attendance, behavior, health data, and increasingly, data generated through online platforms and school-issued devices. Most parents assume this information is kept private, but who can access it and under what circumstances is more nuanced than many expect. Student privacy rights in California schools come from several overlapping… Read more »
Your child came home from school early. The principal says the school suspended them. You have questions: Was the school allowed to do this? Did the school follow the required process? How long can the suspension last? And what can you do if you believe the decision was wrong? California law sets specific rules for… Read more »
A school district’s decision about your child’s special education services does not have to be final. Federal and California law give parents and guardians specific legal tools to challenge those decisions and protect their child’s educational rights. Due process is one of the most formal tools available. It involves filing a complaint with the state,… Read more »
Every child in California has a legal right to a public education, and along with that right comes a set of protections that many parents do not fully know about. When something goes wrong at school, a denied service, a discipline decision that feels unfair, or a child being treated differently, understanding your child’s educational… Read more »
Many parents have experienced the moment when their child comes home and says a teacher took their phone. With the introduction of the Phone-Free School Act (AB 3216), schools across California are increasingly implementing policies that limit or prohibit student phone use during the school day. These rules are designed to reduce distractions, improve student… Read more »
When a child faces expulsion from school, parents often feel overwhelmed and unsure how to protect their child’s education. The California AB 1230 expulsion law changes the process by requiring schools to create formal expulsion rehabilitation plans, also known as return-to-school roadmaps. These plans give students a structured path back to school while helping protect… Read more »
