Is your Texas elementary or middle school recommending steep (and confusing, and even undeserved) sanctions for your young student?
If so, it's vital that you don't ignore those sanctions or accept them as par for the course. Your student's struggles deserve recognition and solutions. And, if your school is sanctioning your student needlessly, your student deserves justice.
Here are the most common issues that could lead to sanctions — and what you, as the parent of a Texas middle or elementary school student, can do to protect your child's future.
Texas Middle and Elementary School Academic Misconduct Charges
In K-8 schools, academic misconduct usually includes actions such as cheating and plagiarism.
Your Texas school will take these actions very seriously. And, under Texas education law, elementary and middle schools can recommend sanctions such as suspensions or dismissals in response to academic misconduct.
Check your student's school handbook to learn more about what your school defines as academic dishonesty or otherwise punishable actions. If someone at your school alleges that your student cheated or plagiarized, it's time to contact Attorney-Advisor Lento and his Education Law Team immediately.
Texas Middle and Elementary School Behavioral Misconduct Issues
Of course, K-8 grade students can be disciplined for non-academic reasons.
Texas schools are responsible for providing a safe environment for their students and staff members. (This expectation is coded within Texas education law.) To that end, many Texas school districts and schools include sections within their codes of conduct itemizing specific behavioral issues that could result in sanctions.
Every school's list of issues can differ, but common ones include:
- Bullying
- Violence
- Fighting
- Bringing weapons on campus
- Bringing drugs on campus
If a teacher or administrator at your school believes your student is associated with these or similar actions, your student could experience immediate out-of-school suspension or even harsher sanctions, such as dismissals. This process can happen quickly, so retaining the Lento Law Firm immediately at the first sign of difficulty is critical for your best outcome.
Texas Middle and Elementary School Academic Progression Issues
If your student fails to keep up with their peers or maintain a steady pace throughout their academic experience, their teachers could take note — and even recommend sanctions.
This may seem odd, but it happens. (You can see it here in the Texas Education Code).
Many behaviors could net your student punishments under the “failure to progress” umbrella. For example, your Texas elementary or middle school could sanction your child for failing to follow instructions, being late to class, failing to complete assignments, or maintaining chronically poor grades.
And, unfortunately, your Texas school may or may not consider any relevant context when meting out sanctions. Your student may have good reasons for their late assignments, but that may not affect your school's sanctioning strategy.
At the Lento Law Firm, we don't believe that's fair. If your student is facing unwarranted or unreasonable discipline for academic progression issues, call Attorney-Advisor Lento and his team without delay.
Texas Middle and Elementary School Disability Issues
Texas students often must deal with issues associated with required disability accommodations. Texas schools must provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Texas schools must also maintain Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for all students with disabilities.
Each student's accommodations may vary, but often include counseling, modified lighting, modified class schedules, study aids, exam modifications, and other services.
If your student has an IEP or is in special education, that may influence your school's misconduct disciplinary process. Additionally, if your school's IEP process is not sound, or if your school is failing to follow your IEP, you need to take action. Attorney-Advisor Lento and his Education Law Team are prepared to assist.
How a Texas Education Attorney Advisor Can Help
The above issues and procedures may sound daunting. Retaining the services of experienced Attorney-Advisor Lento and his team will help.
As your student faces each of these challenges, the Lento Law Firm can help you:
- Ensure that your student experiences fair treatment, as described by both Texas law and your school's specific procedures
- Advocate for your student at each step of the road before you
- Thoroughly evaluate your school's allegations against your child
- Determine what your student's rights are, and how best to protect them
- Gather available evidence to bolster your student's case
- Handle negotiations and tense conversations with your school
- Speak with your school's Office of General Counsel on your behalf
Student disciplinary processes can be more complex than you think. Partnering with a team that has specific experience assisting middle and elementary school students in Texas is the best possible step you can take to work towards a successful outcome.
Where the Lento Law Firm Can Help
Everything's bigger in Texas — including the regions in which the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can assist you.
No matter where in Texas you live, we are ready to assist. The experienced attorney-advisors on the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm are prepared to represent your Texas elementary or middle school student in any of these areas of school districts:
Student Defense in Texas School Districts
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is available across Texas, in any of these or other school districts:
- Lovejoy Independent School District
- Carroll ISD School District
- Highland Park ISD School District
- Eanes ISD School District
- Coppell ISD School District
- Allen ISD School District
- Frisco ISD School District
- Aledo ISD School District
- Tomball Independent School District
- Roma ISD School District
Premier Texas Education Attorney Advisors
If your student requires assistance at their Texas elementary or middle school, you need a lawyer. We are ready to assist. Retain the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm to work with national education attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento today. To schedule a consultation and discuss your next steps, call 888.535.3686 or fill out this brief form.
