An Intro to Engagement

Raising concerns about your child’s education can seem daunting but it is something we will have to do throughout their education. Sometimes we may not know what to say or who to go to for concerns or clarification on an issue. So what do you do? 

The typical “chain of command” for many issues is teacher > principal > superintendent > school board > state department of education.

The answer isn’t always black and white. Who you go to with questions or concerns will depend on what question or concern you may have. 

Approaching teachers or school leadership with questions

Always raise questions or concerns with respect. It is better to work with your child’s teachers and principals than to work against them. You might even be surprised that they are willing to work with you on the issue! Whether you ask a question in person or over the phone, always send a follow up email with the question or concern you raised and include the answers you were given along with any follow up questions. This will help you build a paper trail should you need to escalate your issue up the chain of command. 

Questions or concerns about lessons, assignments, or curriculum

If you have questions or concerns about a lesson, assignment, or the curriculum, it is best to first ask the teacher. Your child’s teacher is typically the one who does the lesson planning and puts the assignments together for the classroom. If your concerns or questions are not answered you may consider communicating with the school principal. Remember that you have the right to inspect your child’s curriculum under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).

Questions to ask:

-How is the curriculum chosen and who chooses it?

-What state standard does this lesson comply with or satisfy?

-Is there an alternative for this book or assignment that can still comply with the state standard?

-How do I schedule an appointment to come view the curriculum? 

Questions or concerns about surveys, questionnaires, or school clubs

It’s common for schools to conduct surveys, hand out questionnaires, and have active clubs. For questions or concerns about any of these, your child’s teacher may have surface level knowledge so the school principal will be the best person to answer these questions. Remember, that you have the right to inspect some surveys and questionnaires under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)

Questions to ask:

-How often is this survey given?

-What information are you gathering with this survey?

-When do you send out notifications for the survey and how do I opt out?

-Does this survey come from the state, federal government, or this school? 

Questions or concerns about student records

Did you know that your child will have a student record throughout their public school education and that you have access to it until they turn 18? If you need to see your child’s student record and have questions about it you can ask your school principal for an appointment. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives you the right to inspect your child’s student record.  

Questions to ask:

-Who do I schedule an appointment with to view my child’s student record?

-What is the process to file for an amendment of my child’s student record?

-Can I receive a copy of my child’s student record?

Questions or concerns about Title IX, school discipline, or opt outs

There are some concerns or questions that you may have that teachers and principals may not have much control over. This could be because it is a policy put in place by the school board or the state and sometimes the federal government. If you do have questions or concerns, the school principal may have answers when it comes to how issues about Title IX are handled in the school, or what protocol is followed when there is a school discipline issue, and where to locate the opt out forms for school surveys or lessons that your child can opt out of due to religious beliefs (Mahmoud v Taylor Supreme Court case). 

Questions to ask:

-What spaces will my child be required to share with children of the opposite sex? 

-How do I file for accommodations for my child? 

-Can I receive a copy of the student code of conduct? 

-How will you inform me of any issues regarding the discipline of my child or any incidents my child may be involved in?