Pennsylvania Middle and Elementary Education Issues
Pennsylvania parents know how important it is for children to do well in elementary and middle school so that they can continue to do well in the future. Unfortunately, many elementary and middle school students undergo serious challenges that can negatively impact their entire life. For instance, if a student is accused of violating the school's code of conduct or academic integrity standards, it can prevent them from joining clubs, participating in sports, or being promoted to the next grade. When this happens, not only will it affect their self-esteem and social development, but it will also greatly affect their education, which can be hard to recover from.
Working with an elementary and middle school student defense attorney is the best way to ensure that the school provides your student with the due process rights they are entitled to, including the right to present a defense and confront their accusers. Call the LLF Law Firm today for help.
Pennsylvania Middle and Elementary School Academic Misconduct Charges
All students in Pennsylvania are expected to abide by certain academic standards, including refraining from academic misconduct. While the specific rules will depend on the schools, most consider the definition of academic misconduct to include turning in someone else's work as your own, cheating on a school test or assignment, failing to cite properly on a paper, copying material word for word without using quotation marks, and other methods of academic dishonesty.
According to Pennsylvania law, schools have the authority to suspend, expel, or otherwise punish students for disobeying school officials, disrupting the classroom or school-sponsored activities, or threatening to do so. For instance, at Philadelphia Elementary School, students can be suspended or expelled if they engage in immoral or disreputable conduct, which may include persistent and disruptive academic misconduct. When this happens, the best thing you can do is hire a student defense attorney who will gather relevant evidence and witness testimony to support your child's defense. The LLF Law Firm has extensive experience in this area, and is here to help.
Pennsylvania Middle and Elementary School Behavioral Misconduct Charges
Students in Pennsylvania are also subject to conduct standards. If those standards of violated, they may face behavioral misconduct allegations. Under Pennsylvania law, all students, no matter their age, are entitled to a safe learning environment. If this environment is endangered by a student, the school is authorized to discipline the responsible student. For example, a student can be suspended or expelled for bringing weapons to school or a school-sponsored event, for using a weapon on campus, or threatening to bring or use a weapon on campus. Additionally, students can be expelled for other acts of violence like fighting, bullying, or assaulting another student or staff member.
Pittsburgh Public Schools, and all other schools in Pennsylvania, for instance, support a policy prohibiting bullying in the school. Under this policy, students who are found responsible for bullying are subject to suspension or expulsion. The same is true if they are caught harassing or discriminating against another student, staff member, or instructor.
Pennsylvania Middle and Elementary School Academic Progression Issues
While middle and elementary school students are just beginning their educational careers, they can still be disciplined for failing to progress through their classes on time. Some examples of conduct that could result in a student being held back, suspended, or expelled from the school include:
- Excessive tardiness
- Skipping classes or truancy
- Leaving campus without permission
- Failing to maintain satisfactory grades
But many districts in Pennsylvania will still allow students to be promoted to the next grade as long as it is in the best interest of the child. This is why it is important to attend the disciplinary hearings. If you do not attend, your child will be subject to whatever decision the disciplinary committee makes. By offering a defense, you can explain to the board why it is in your child's best interest to remain with their class and continue to progress on time.
Pennsylvania Middle and Elementary School Disability Issues
In Pennsylvania, like most other states, students are promised a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). According to the IDEA, students with disabilities must be given accommodations and services that will help them succeed in their academic endeavors. To ensure schools provide these accommodations and services, the IDEA mandates that public schools maintain an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for such students.
To receive an IEP, the parent or teacher will request an IEP evaluation. The evaluation will be conducted by the teacher and another individual who is qualified to operate the evaluation – like a school guidance counselor. If they determine your student will benefit from accommodations or services, they will call for an IEP meeting. During the meeting, you and the rest of the evaluation team will work together to create an IEP for your child, which will describe the exact services and accommodations the school must provide them.
Pennsylvania Education Attorney Services
The LLF Law Firm has spent years helping students around the country who are accused of misconduct by their schools. To ensure your student receives a fair and just disciplinary hearing, it is crucial you work with an experienced education attorney.
The LLF Law Firm's Education Law Team can help you understand the accusations against your student, as well as their procedural rights. They will help you navigate the many procedures that may be at your disposal, including alternative resolutions like informal conferences. Additionally, they will be by your side every step of the way – from accusation through appeal, and even onto civil litigation if necessary.
Where the LLF Law Firm Can Help
The LLF Law Firm's Education Law Team represents students nationwide, including Pennsylvania. If your elementary or middle school student is accused of misconduct in any of the 500 school districts, the LLF Law Firm can help. Student defense is available everywhere from South Central, Southwest, and Southeast, PA to Central, North Central, Northeast, and Northwest PA.
Premier Pennsylvania Education Attorney
Wherever your middle or elementary school child goes to school, the LLF Law Firm Education Law Team are here to help. They have the experience and skill set to ensure your child is protected from any negative consequences they might experience as a result of being suspended or expelled. Call 888.535.3686 or schedule your consultation online.
