As parents, we love our children and want to give them the best, and that includes providing a good education. The skills and knowledge that young minds gain in elementary and middle school are the building blocks of a lifetime of achievement. But sometimes situations arise at school that can negatively impact a child's path to success — even in grades one through eight. Today, young students face many challenges that can affect their education. There may be a lack of academic progress, bad behavior, or academic misconduct, or the school might fail to accommodate a disability. Parents and guardians in Virginia should take these issues seriously and act to protect their child's right to an education.
Academic Progress Issues in Elementary and Middle Schools in Virginia
What if your child is not keeping up with the rest of the class academically? Under Virginia law, elementary schools must assist students who need help with reading and math. Young children who do not show reading proficiency or who cannot read well enough to understand the instructional materials must have extra lessons and may be eligible for summer school.
For middle schoolers, state law provides that children who are unable to read well enough to understand the lesson materials are entitled to extra instruction in reading. These students may be eligible for summer school as well. In addition, children in grades six through eight who require help with math should receive additional instruction. Summer school is also an option for these students. As an example, Virginia's Henrico County Public Schools offer summer school programs for elementary and middle schoolers who need more instruction.
If your elementary or middle school child is having difficulty learning, you have the right to help to ensure your child stays on the path to success.
Elementary and Middle School Behavior Issues in Virginia
Many children act up in school at one time or another. But frequent or serious misbehavior can jeopardize a student's education. Bad behavior, whether it be bullying, disruptions in class, truancy, or something more serious like drugs, guns, or violence, can result in suspension or expulsion in Virginia. In addition, students who have been subject to a suspension of 30 days or more or an expulsion may not be able to go to another school and could have to enroll in an alternative education program.
Parents in Virginia are entitled to a copy of their school's code of conduct. These booklets outline the school district's disciplinary policies and explain what can happen when a child is accused of bad behavior. They also cover parents' responsibilities regarding student conduct. Loudin County Public Schools' Standards of Student Conduct, for example, discuss the rights of students and parents and the disciplinary process for suspension and expulsion. Bristol Virginia Public Schools' Student and Parent Handbook lists the consequences middle schoolers can face for behavior issues.
If your child is at risk of serious punishment for bad behavior, you need to know your rights and make sure the discipline process is fair and just.
Academic Misconduct of Elementary and Middle School Students in Virginia
Whether it be cheating, dishonesty, plagiarism or another form of academic misconduct, elementary and middle school students in Virginia can be subject to discipline. As an example, the Manassas City Public Schools Student Code of Conduct lists acts of academic dishonesty and outlines a range of potential disciplinary actions, from warnings to expulsion. The Fairfax County Public Schools have a similar code of conduct.
If your child is facing allegations of academic misconduct, you need to ensure they are treated fairly in the disciplinary process.
Virginia Elementary and Middle School Disability Issues
The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act mandates that elementary and middle schools in Virginia must accommodate students with disabilities in a reasonable manner. The Virginia Department of Education also says schools have to offer Individualized Education Programs that meet the needs of students with educational disabilities such as dyslexia. In addition, the department's Division of Special Education and Student Services offers parents a notice of their rights regarding education for a disabled child.
Schools have to fulfill their obligation to provide disabled students with an education. If you believe your child is not receiving a proper education, you must enforce your rights.
You Need an Education Attorney Advisor in Virginia
The Lento Law Firm has experience helping parents and students who are facing disciplinary action at school. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his Education Law Team can help you navigate the often intimidating and confusing school disciplinary process and ensure your child remains on the path to an outstanding academic career. Don't sit on the sidelines— there's too much to lose.
The Lento Law Firm will assist you in making sense of any allegations levied against your child by the school and will work with you to devise a defense strategy. The Education Law Team can also review the school's disciplinary policies to make sure they're valid and fair. The team will prepare you for any meetings or hearings, negotiate with the school and its attorneys on your behalf, and fight for your child's rights every step of the way.
The Lento Law Firm Can Help in Virginia
The Lento Law Firm offers Student Discipline Defense for students nationwide, including elementary and middle schoolers in Virginia. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his team are ready to help you and your child when problems arise at elementary and middle schools located in all eight regions of the state. The Lento Law Firm can handle cases in Central Virginia, Northern Neck, Northern Virginia, the Southwest and Southside Regions, the Tidewater Region, the Valley Region, and Western Virginia.
Experienced Education Attorney Advisor in Virginia
Regardless of where you are in Virginia, the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm is ready to help. You need an experienced attorney advisor to guide you through the maze of the school disciplinary process. Your child's future depends on it. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today.
