Vermont's wide variety of middle and elementary schools allows the state's youth to gain the education they need to serve them throughout their formative years. While students will face obstacles like rigid school behavioral guidelines and rigorous academic requirements, even a slight mistake can begin the downfall of a young student.
When parents of middle or elementary school students challenge school administration policy or defend their children from disciplinary action, the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is prepared to help you. Our nationwide team can educate you on how Vermont schools approach rule violations, enforce academic requirements, and grant disability accommodations. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and the Lento Law Firm will contact you.
Vermont Middle and Elementary Education Issues
The Vermont state government grants the authority to "each public and each approved independent school" to establish and implement a code of conduct with disciplinary measures. Typically located in a school's student or student-parent handbook, the code of conduct will outline the following:
- The school's approach to classroom management.
- Description of behaviors that constitute misconduct.
- Methods of conflict resolution used and discipline policies.
- Procedures for informing parents of student actions.
- Standard due process procedures for suspension and expulsion.
While the policies and regulations will underscore academic and behavioral standards, they also explain relevant administrative processes and student rights. This is a parent's first line of defense for dispute resolution and to challenge a school's decisions.
Vermont Middle and Elementary School Academic Misconduct Charges
Academic integrity is a fundamental component of a student's education. Therefore, Vermont middle and elementary schools will have guidelines that will punish any type of academic dishonesty. Schools will have varying definitions and different categories, but Main Street Middle School considers the following as forms of academic dishonesty:
- Plagiarism
- Forging signatures
- Submitting work done by another
- Allowing one's work to be copied
- Using unauthorized technology
The school states that possible consequences include but are not limited to redoing the assignment, assignment failure, or lowering a student's grade on a report card. While the institution may provide more restorative practices, other schools may use an instance of cheating or plagiarism as grounds to dismiss a student.
Vermont Middle and Elementary School Behavioral Misconduct Charges
Vermont schools must promote a safe environment for learning with standards that show respect for everyone. The guidelines for acceptable behavior will vary between schools, but most are similar in their scope to manage the social sphere and help students grow into adults. Although it's not an exhaustive list, Browns River Middle School regulates the following behaviors:
- Cafeteria seating privileges
- Proper bus etiquette
- Appropriate locker usage
- Cell phones and electronic devices
- Brands and logos on clothing
- Physical abuse or bullying
- Excessive tardiness or chronic truancy
- Possession of illicit substances, including tobacco or vaping paraphernalia
- Using disrespectful language with students or staff members
The potential consequences for behavioral misconduct can be as varying as there are violations. Some could be as small as a reprimand from a bus driver, but parents must understand how serious any situation can get. Creating a disciplinary record may cause a second violation to be handled more harshly, and sanctions will be a part of a student's record until graduation. Furthermore, there are some behavioral violations—like bringing a weapon look alike to school—that may garner an out-of-school suspension for a first-time offense.
Vermont Middle and Elementary School Academic Progression Issues
Although Vermont middle and elementary school students risk discipline for violating academic integrity and behavioral rules, they also will for failing to progress through the grades at a pre-determined rate—typically called promotion or graduation requirements.
If students at Waitsfield Elementary School students fail to meet minimum academic standards, they face retention. Decisions regarding retention are made in the "best interests" of the student following an evaluation to determine academic achievement and needs as well as social and emotional maturity. Students may only be required to retake individual classes and not the entire grade; however, all final decisions are subject to the superintendent's discretion.
Vermont Middle and Elementary School Disability Issues
Students in Vermont schools may also face obstacles with gaining disability accommodations they need. For example, schools may often overlook a student's need, thus being an origin point for academic or behavioral misconduct. To ensure all students have equal access to succeed, schools must abide by the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
IDEA grants students the right to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to assist them through graduation. IEPs outline curriculum or environmental variations needed for a student to learn on a level playing field like their peers, which can be physical equipment, classroom modifications, schedule changes, tutors, and other services. Yet, reasonable accommodations are only given to specific individuals with qualifying disabilities like the following:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Deafness
- Deaf-blindness
- Development delays
- Emotional disturbances
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual disabilities
- Multiple diagnosed disabilities
- Orthopedic impairments
- Specific learning disabilities
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Visual impairments, including blindness
- Other eligible health impairments
Without legally required accommodations, your student risks not getting the assistance they need to succeed alongside their peers. But the effects aren't just academic in nature; the potential behavioral consequences can lead down a road toward discipline.
Vermont Student Defense Services
If your child is facing challenges like obtaining disability accommodations, trying to keep up with academic requirements, or defending against any type of misconduct, get in touch with the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today. Our attorneys stand ready to defend your student's right to the education they need. The nationwide Lento Law Firm can provide valuable assistance to parents in mitigating discipline by settling matters outside formal proceeds by engaging a school or district's Office of General Counsel.
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is available throughout Vermont, from Burlington to Barre and Claremont to Rutland; we assist parents and defend students. Reach us today by calling 888-535-3686 or going online now.
