No matter how old your child is, one thing is certain: their education matters at every stage. Middle school and elementary school children have unique learning needs which must be properly respected – and accommodated – in Maryland schools. If a child falls behind or their behavior deteriorates, then it's crucial to find a solution before their education suffers.
If you're dealing with academic progress or misconduct issues affecting a young child, you must ensure that the school treats them fairly and supports them as per their legal obligations. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can help – contact us today to discuss your concerns.
Middle and Elementary School Student Behavior Issues
Behavioral issues are not uncommon, particularly among young children who are just learning how to follow rules and respect authority figures, e.g., teachers and school officials. Schools typically have behavioral standards they expect children to meet, and you should check your handbook to familiarize yourself with these standards. Allegany County, for example, has its own Code of Discipline, which sets out what's expected of students and how schools may address misconduct or poor behavior.
Even at this tender age, penalties may include detention, suspension, or even expulsion in the most serious scenarios. The goal, of course, should be to avoid severe punishments and educate rather than demotivate young children. An education attorney can help you achieve this goal as far as possible.
Academic Misconduct for Elementary and Middle School Students
Misconduct issues at the elementary and middle school level can be just as serious as at the high school level. The types of issues which may arise include:
- Plagiarism
- Cheating
- Class disruption
- Truancy
Academic misconduct can range from cheating on a test to submitting someone else's work as the student's own effort. Repeated misconduct is often punished more severely than one-time incidents, but all incidents can result in serious disciplinary action.
Schools must follow due process when disciplining students for academic misconduct. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm can ensure this happens.
Academic Progress Issues Affecting Middle and Elementary School Students
Academic progress issues can affect children of all ages, including elementary and middle school students. Some children need more help focusing in class or understanding the material, especially in core subjects such as math, English, and science subjects.
The Maryland Department of Education expects schools to take appropriate steps to help students thrive and reach their potential in class. This could mean offering further tuition, access to summer school, or assignments tailored to their learning requirements. It also means identifying children who are struggling to progress because they're gifted and suffering from a lack of motivation in class.
The Lento Law Firm can help you handle issues that may arise if a school fails in this duty or seeks to discipline your child for alleged progress concerns.
Rights of Disabled Elementary and Middle School Students in Maryland
Disabled children have specific learning needs. Schools are obliged to support disabled students and accommodate these needs as per federal and state laws.
Under federal law, all middle and elementary school pupils have the right to receive a free public education. More specifically, disabled students have the right to an education program tailored to their specific needs to help them reach their full potential. This program is called an Individualized Learning Plan (IEP).
Maryland schools must:
- Ensure that parents understand their child's right to an IEP.
- Facilitate equitable access to learning outcomes, including assessments.
- Have a plan for addressing behavioral issues related to the disability. This plan should not punish but rather support the student.
Our Education Law Team can help you protect these rights.
Why You Should Hire an Education Law Attorney in Maryland
While you may be tempted to liaise with the school alone, it's best to seek legal advice.
For one thing, school officials are experienced in handling disciplinary matters. They understand the procedures to follow and how to present evidence in a compelling way. To have a fair shot at answering the school's accusations against your child, you need an education attorney on your side.
Furthermore, Maryland school disciplinary action can be complex. It can seem overwhelming if you're new to the process. However, an attorney can help identify the main issues and propose the most amicable possible solution. The goal is to bring matters to a conclusion swiftly but effectively.
Finally, your child has certain rights, such as the right to a fair hearing. An education attorney will ensure that the school facilitates these rights. If disciplinary action is inevitable, the goal must still be to find the least disruptive penalty possible. An attorney can help you seek a remedial and favorable outcome.
Let the Lento Law Firm Help Your Child Today
At the Lento Law Firm, we care about your child's education. We're passionate about helping students overcome disciplinary and progression issues. We're committed to upholding due process and protecting your child's right to fair treatment. When you choose our Education Law Team, you can trust that we will do everything possible to help your child stay in the classroom – or return to it – with minimal fuss. We will help you through the complexities of school negotiations and ensure you feel in control of the situation.
Your child's education is precious. This is a critical time in their development. Don't risk unnecessary or disproportionate consequences on their progression – call the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm for help.
We Work Across Maryland to Protect Student Rights
For the Lento Law Firm, there's nowhere in Maryland we can't reach. Our attorney advisors are available to assist in areas including Frederick, Garrett, Baltimore, Dorchester, Allegany, and Somerset. Whether you have elementary or middle school issues, our Education Law Team can support your child's needs.
We work all over the US to help students and their parents enforce education rights, and we can help you today. Call our Education Law Team at 888.535.3686 or tell us about your issue online, and we'll respond promptly.
