Back to School Checklist 2025-2026

Resources

The 2025-26 school year is here! Students across the country are headed back to school this August (and early September in some places.) In addition to purchasing new school supplies, securing a parking sticker and putting together the fall sport gear, parents can do a few simple things to prepare for the new school year. Defending Education hopes this is your best year yet!

Now is the time to:

  1. Get to know district leadership. Who is your school board member? Email them and introduce yourself. It is best to establish a relationship before you have an issue.
  2. Review your district’s opt out policies. These can often be found in the Student Handbook. Many opt out forms must be submitted at the beginning of every school year.  Not sure if you should opt out of school-administered surveys? Educate yourself on the types of questions asked of your kids. Did you know you have the right to review surveys before they are administered?
  3. A new Supreme Court ruling allows parents to opt their children out of gender instruction that violates their religious beliefs. Ask your school district how they will comply with “Mahmoud v. Taylor”…Submit an opt out letter!
  4. Do you know what PPRA is? It is the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. Do you know the 8 categories that require advanced parental notification if a school wants to survey your child?
    • Did you know that under PPRA, parents are allowed to review the curriculum before it is taught to their children?
  5. How is Title IX enforced by your district? Are boys allowed in girls’ restrooms? Are males permitted to compete against girls in sports?
    • What is your school district’s Title IX policy? Your state?
  6. Are you familiar with the rights afforded to you under the federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)? This allows you to review your child’s Official Student Record. Start off the year knowing where your child stands with regard to grades, discipline and any other information noted in your child’s comprehensive file. 
  7. How does your child’s school use tech? What is their cell phone policy? What is their AI policy? 
  8. Does your school have a school-based health center? If so, what are the regulations surrounding parental notification?
    • What are the qualifications for the school staff who are providing social and emotional instruction to your child?
    • Are they professionally licensed in psychology? How do you review SEL lessons prior to your child’s participation (this is your rights under PPRA)? 
    • Do they offer counseling or medical treatments related to gender?
  9. Review your district’s Code of Conduct or Student Rights and Responsibilities document. Does your district practice Restorative Justice? If so, how and why? 
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