Wisconsin Middle and Elementary Education Issues
A crucial aspect of a child's transition into the teenage years involves embracing increased responsibility and gaining insights from mistakes. Parents understand that their child's confidence, social growth, and eventual success is rooted in the academic and social atmosphere provided by K-12 schools. Nevertheless, for middle and elementary school students in Wisconsin, various challenges and complications on the school premises can disrupt their juvenile and deeply impressionable lives.
Unfortunately, the consequences can impact them from elementary and middle school through high school. In certain instances, disciplinary actions can shatter aspirations for higher education. If your child is charged with any form of misconduct, it's critical to treat the matter with utmost importance. Securing necessary assistance when such accusations surface ensures the safeguarding of your child's rights and their prospective future.
Wisconsin Middle and Elementary School Academic Misconduct Charges
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) mandates that the state's "public schools have a responsibility to ensure schools are safe places to learn." Part of that is maintaining an institution's academic integrity; therefore, even young students are at risk of breaching academic ethics policies.
While each school or district may vary slightly in what they define as academic misconduct, the following are common forms:
- Academic dishonesty
- Abusing internet privileges
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
If elementary and middle school students are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be treated with a range of punishments. For example, the Milwaukee Public School System has multiple types of disciplinary procedures to punish academic misconduct, including but not limited to in-school and out-of-school suspension, referral to an alternative school, and expulsion. But academic troubles are only the start of what children face at school.
Wisconsin Middle and Elementary School Behavioral Misconduct Charges
As mentioned before, Wisconsin's public schools must provide a safe place to learn, and a majority of that task involves regulating student behavior on campus. Schools will also vary in how they approach defining proper behavior, but typical behavioral misconduct allegations involve the following:
- Disrupting the learning environment
- Dress code violations
- Frequent tardiness
- Title IX offenses like bullying
- Stealing
- Vandalism
Elementary and middle school students, as well as their parents and guardians, are made aware of what a school expects during orientations at the beginning of the school year. As such, ignorance isn't a defense.
As schools nationwide continue to adopt zero-tolerance policies for various forms of misconduct, it's important to understand how serious even a minor situation can get. For instance, school authorities within the Maple Dale-Indian Hill School District may suspend or expel students for "Major Behavior" incidents, which include "defiance, disrespect, insubordination, or non-compliance." Unfortunately, zero-tolerance policies often include unclear language that disciplinary boards can use against your student child, leaving them threatened by suspension, alternative disciplinary placement, and expulsion.
Wisconsin Middle and Elementary School Academic Progression Issues
Measurement of academic progression isn't something that only high school and college students worry about; elementary and middle school students can be penalized for not progressing fast enough academically, too. Common things that make up a student's progression toward the next grade or graduation can include a number of credit hours, standardized tests, community projects, and final exams.
For younger students, social behavior is often used to determine if a student can progress to a higher grade. Cudahy School District's Elementary Schools will take into account "a student's behavior, attitude toward learning, and other work habits" when assessing progression. If patterns of inadequacy are found, it's one of many things that can land an elementary or middle school student in trouble and delay their graduation timeline.
Wisconsin Middle and Elementary School Disability Issues
Students in Wisconsin schools also grapple with challenges in obtaining the disability accommodations mandated by both state and federal law. Just like every other state, Wisconsin is obligated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates a free, appropriate education for students. For students with disabilities, schools must maintain an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to assist them with the educational process until graduation. If a student with an IEP or diagnosed disability faces disciplinary action, IDEA requires school officials to conduct a manifestation determination to assess the student's academics, behavior, or IEP goals.
The following are some of the categories of qualifying disabilities that must be reasonably accommodated under IDEA:
- Emotional disturbances
- Learning disabilities
- Orthopedic impairment
- Speech, language, hearing, or visual impairments
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Other impairments, such as Autism, ADHD, PTSD, etc.
While some states may allow students with IEPs to graduate when they're 22, Wisconsin aligns with federal law, only providing special education services until a student reaches 21. Legally-required accommodations can include alternative class schedules, additional programs and devices, classroom modifications, counseling, and other aids and services.
Wisconsin Education Law Attorney Services
Beginning a disciplinary record at such a young age puts a student at risk throughout their educative years. If your child is facing any of the above circumstances, the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team is prepared to aid you and your student. Experienced attorneys will ensure they receive due process in all proceedings and will navigate the situation by your side.
The Lento Law Firm can help you critically examine the allegations made by the school and any evidence to challenge the accusations. They will champion your student's right to informal settlement discussions, access to evidence held by the school, and fair hearings and appeals. Furthermore, they can engage in discussions with school administrators and district supervisory staff, including the school's Office of General Counsel or outside representation, to arrange alternative settlements before formal proceedings commence. Call 888-535-3686 to reach the Lento Law Firm.
Student Defense in Wisconsin School Districts
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is available in every area of Wisconsin, including each of DPI's following seven regions:
- 7 Rivers
- Great Northwest
- Madison Regional Economic Partnership
- Milwaukee 7
- New North
- North Central Wisconsin
- Prosperity Southwest
No matter your location in Wisconsin, retain the Lento Law Firm's premier Education Law Team to help your middle or elementary school student with their challenges. Their years of nationwide experience set them apart. Call 888-535-3686 for skilled and experienced attorneys.
