Georgia Middle and Elementary Education Issues
Parents in Georgia understand that it is important for their children to do well in elementary and middle school because it sets the stage for how they will do in high school and college. However, middle and elementary school students will face several challenges prior to entering high school that could negatively impact their future. For example, students who are accused of disobeying their school's code of conduct or committing academic dishonesty will be prevented from playing sports with their teammates or participating in after-school clubs. Additionally, issues like this could prevent them from being promoted to the next grade.
Consequences like these are hard to recover from, especially at that age when the opinion of their peers and teachers means everything to them. If your child is accused of violating one of their school rules and is facing suspension, expulsion, or some other punishment, it is important you work with an elementary and middle school student defense attorney. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team are here to help. Call our offices today.
Georgia Middle and Elementary School Academic Misconduct Charges
Across the country, elementary and middle school students are given student handbooks on the first day of school. These handbooks include all of the regulations the school expects the students to follow and the procedures the school will follow to enforce them.
While the specifics change from school to school, they all typically include conduct rules surrounding academic integrity. Academic integrity is defined as a commitment to honest and moral behavior in school. Though at Buford Middle School, the student handbook goes on to define exactly what conduct the students must refrain from doing to uphold the honor code and academic integrity, including:
- Looking at or accessing another student's work during an exam or other assignment.
- Attempting to share information during an in-class assignment.
- Using programmed calculators or other electronic devices unless given permission.
- Submitting work that is copyrighted or plagiarized.
If a student is accused of violating this rule, they will be disciplined by the school. Having the Lento Law Firm on your side the moment you learn of such accusations is the best way to ensure your child is not being unnecessarily punished.
Georgia Middle and Elementary School Behavioral Misconduct Charges
In addition to academic integrity standards, Georgia students must also follow specific behavioral standards, and if they violate one of these rules, they could be punished. According to Georgia law, all students can be suspended or expelled from school for certain behavior, though the state limits the length of suspensions to under five days during a school year for preschool to third-grade students.
In the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, students must abide by a code of conduct, which outlines the conduct that can be punished if the student does it at school or at a school-sponsored event. This behavior includes:
- Arson
- Fighting
- Bullying or cyberbullying
- Disrupting the classroom or cafeteria
- Misusing the internet or computers on campus
- Willfully failing to comply with instructions or blatant insubordination
- Being disrespectful to the staff or instructors
- Violating dress code
- Using or having drugs in their possession
- Gang-related activities
- Using inappropriate language
Georgia Middle and Elementary School Academic Progression Issues
Many parents do not realize how hard it will be for middle and elementary school students to process being held back from entering the next grade. In fact, it can greatly impact their self-esteem and self-worth. Additionally, there are several ways students will be held back that have nothing to do with their academic abilities, such as excessive tardiness, truancy, or absences.
If your student is facing an academic progression issue, it is important to contact an attorney-advisor. Attorney-advisor Lento and his team have spent years helping students in similar situations. He will be able to negotiate with the school and school district on your child's behalf, trying to alleviate the punishments they are facing and proving what is actually in your child's best interest.
Georgia Middle and Elementary School Disability Issues
Under the federal regulation, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), all students with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). To ensure they are providing a FAPE to children with disabilities, Georgia mandates that their school districts conduct Individualized Education Plan (IEP) evaluations and revision meetings for any student that qualifies.
If you believe your child would qualify for an IEP, you must contact the school and request one. The school will then schedule an evaluation meeting with you, your child's teacher, and another individual who is qualified to conduct IEP evaluations. After they evaluate your child, you will meet again to construct the IEP, which will list all of the services and accommodations your child should receive so that they can succeed in school. IEPs are legally binding documents, and their stipulations must be implemented, or the school will run the risk of being sanctioned.
Where the Lento Law Firm Can Help
With clients nationwide, Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team represents middle and elementary school students throughout the regions of Georgia, including:
- Piedmont
- Valley and Ridge
- Blue Ridge Mountains
- Coastal Plains
- Appalachian Plateau
Premier Georgia Education Attorney
Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team has spent its careers helping middle and elementary school students accused of academic and behavioral misconduct. They will be able to help you understand the accusations against your child and the best way to navigate these disciplinary proceedings.
Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and his team have the experience and fighting spirit to ensure your child is not being punished unnecessarily. Suspension and expulsions can have long-term ramifications, both on their mental health and their academic careers. All children make mistakes, but they shouldn't be punished forever for it. Call 888.535.3686 or schedule your consultation online.
