Elementary and Middle School Education Issues in Illinois
Students have endured a wealth of hardships in the past few years, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced school funding, lack of special education support, and ongoing teacher shortages. Unfortunately, those issues, despite the best efforts of teachers and administrators, have impacted the learning environment. And many children are failing to progress academically, as well as struggling with the day-to-day requirements of school.
As a parent, you know that middle and elementary school play a key role in your student's academic, social, and emotional development – and provide a strong foundation for your child's future success. But if your middle or elementary school student is somehow in conflict with their educational institutes in Illinois, it is not something to take lightly. Whether there are allegations of misconduct or your child is suffering due to a lack of appropriate educational support, you must act quickly to right the situation. Your student's future is at stake.
Illinois Middle and Elementary School Academic Misconduct Charges
You may think that only older students are subject to academic misconduct allegations – but even elementary school-aged children are held to a high standard in the state of Illinois. Illinois Statute 105 ILCS 5/10-22.6 states that schools have the right to suspend or even expel students “guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct, including gross disobedience or misconduct perpetuated by electronic means” – and that includes cheating or academic dishonesty.
The Indian Prairie School District Middle School student handbook, for example, takes half a page to define academic misconduct – and follows the list of ten examples of academic dishonesty with the line “possible disciplinary or legal action may follow.” It's important to realize that, even in elementary school, academic misconduct, especially when it is combined with other behavioral issues, can result in suspension, expulsion, or alternative disciplinary placement.
Illinois Middle and Elementary School Behavioral Misconduct Charges
Illinois also takes behavioral misconduct very seriously. As noted above, Illinois Statute 105 ILCS 5/10-22.6 makes provision for school districts to suspend or expel students for “gross disobedience or misconduct.”
The Lake Bluff Elementary School student handbook has several pages of rules regarding obedience and conduct. They state that even kindergarten students are expected to “conduct themselves in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and rules.” The state authorizes schools to discipline students for weapons, drugs, disobedience, electronic paging devices, or entering school property without permission. If a student is found with even a toy or “look-a-like” weapon, they can face an immediate one-year expulsion from the school.
Illinois Middle and Elementary School Academic Progression Issues
Younger students may also be disciplined for failing to progress academically. The Illinois Statute allows for middle and elementary schools to suspend, dismiss, or discipline students for excessive absences or truancy – and school districts have remarkable authority regarding how, when, and why those disciplinary actions are handed out.
There are many reasons that may contribute to a failure to progress – including a lack of special education services or issues at home. Your child should not be punished for circumstances that are out of their control. It's important that, if you are notified your child is failing to progress in your Illinois school district, you retain qualified counsel to act on their behalf.
Illinois Middle and Elementary School Disability Issues
Every state in the United States must comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). This legislation mandates that elementary and middle schools provide free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students – which means providing adequate educational services and support when needed. Illinois has specific laws on the books to support students with both physical and intellectual disabilities – and is expected to provide Individualized Education Plans (IEP), which outlines all necessary accommodations for students who need extra support. Such accommodations may include educational aides, counseling, more time for tests, readers, and other assistance.
Illinois Education Attorney Advisor Services
Given the current state of public education in Illinois, your middle or elementary school student may be facing a plethora of challenges. To ensure their rights are protected – and they are treated fairly under both state laws and school rules – you want a trusted education attorney advisor by your side. Engaging the Lento Law Firm will help ensure any allegations will be resolved with the best possible outcome, allowing your child to reach his or her full educational potential.
Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his Educational Law Team understand the policies and procedures governing school charges, as well as your student's procedural rights. They will help you develop and deploy a strategic plan to ensure your child's best interests are at the heart of any decision. Having the right attorney means you have someone in your corner to answer the school's communications and allegations as well as to develop the appropriate defense to support your child. The Lento Law Firm has experience invoking the school's procedures for informal resolution, the discovery of evidence, and representing your child in fair hearings and any subsequent appeals. Joseph D. Lento and the Educational Law Team can also negotiate with school officials, district oversight officials, and state education board members when special alternative relief is required.
The Lento Law Firm Can Help You
The Lento Law Firm Educational Law Team has represented elementary and middle school students across the country, including in the state of Illinois. These experienced attorney advisors are available to defend your elementary or middle school student in districts including:
Student Defense in Urban Illinois School Districts
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team has experience working with students in urban school districts in cities like Chicago, Aurora, and Joliet. They are familiar with the longstanding education issues in these metropolitan areas – and can make sure your student's rights are well protected.
Student Defense in Rural Illinois School Districts
Rural schools often face different challenges than those in the big city. Illinois is home to dozens of smaller, rural school districts, including Liberty Community Unit School District, Brown County Community Unit School District, Triopia Community Unit School District, and many others.
Premier Illinois Education Attorney Advisors
No matter where you may reside in Illinois, when you retain the Lento Law Firm's premier Education Law Team and national education attorney advisor Joseph D. Lento, you can rest assured you are in good hands. The Lento Law Firm has extensive experience helping middle and elementary school students with challenges ranging from academic misconduct to issues regarding special education accommodations. Call 888.535.3686 or go online now for skilled and experienced attorney advisor defense in Illinois.
