RobyLane Kelley
Editorial Assistant

 As parents begin to send their students off to school, understanding how to advocate for their children is essential.

In the U.S.,  there are many acts and statutes, which  protect students and help parents. Some of these include: the Parent’s Bill of Rights by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Parent’s Bill of Rights

According to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MDESE), this statute indicates “a child is determined eligible for special education services or when an initial Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed and whenever the Procedural Safeguards Notice is provided to parents.” 

Available online at https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/compliance/parents-bill-rights in 40 languages — including a video in American Sign Language (ASL) — the Parent’s Bill of Rights contains 11 rights parents of students with disabilities have to best  advocate for their students. These rights focus on IEP regulation, which parents have control over throughout their child’s education.

Parents who need access to this Bill, but do not have available internet, can contact the school or district to have a copy made for them in their preferred language.

Examples of these rights found in the MDESE bill include: “Audio record any meeting under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.” And, “Request an accommodation to provide effective communications if you have limited English language proficiency.” 

FERPA

One of the most recognizable education protection acts is FERPA. This act protects the student and parents’ right to privacy for information and educational records. 

It is important to note that once a student turns 18, they are an “eligible student.” Once the student is eligible, all rights transfer from the parent to the student. Parents with a teenager nearing adulthood should talk to their student about what it means to give written consent. After the student is “eligible” consent will be needed from the student in order for the parent to access school records.

Some of these rights include: Parents and “eligible” students need to give written consent for the school to share student records with third parties (with exceptions detailed in the Act) and, Parents and “eligible” students have the right to request the school make an amendment to filed records. If the school denies the request, the parent or student has the right to a public hearing. “After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.”

A complete parent’s guide to FERPA is available online.