Stephanie: I asked to observe my daughter in her Special Education room and was told that Minnesota Law said I cant due to the confidentiality of the other students in her class ..Is this really a law saying parents cant observe their child in a Special Education class?
Sharon’s strategy suggestion is excellent. Also, please see https://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/parent-observation-in-the-classroom/
You may want to familiarize yourself with FERPA before you meet with a school official to discuss this.
I asked to observe my youngest son in an Ohio school. They balked at first so I went to the board of education office and requested the policy in writing regarding how to go about requesting this. I got the policy and followed it. I had to request in writing what I wanted to do, how long and gave some days and times. I got a response and the teacher was able to provide a way for me to observe without the other students knowing about it. The school should be able to provide you with their official policy.
Stephanie: Your question has been asked (and answered) many times. I think you’ll find it’s pretty easy to find the answer. I hope the following helps…
(1) On the right hand side of this blog, you’ll find a Topics A-Z listing, from the Q and A database. Choose the alphabetical listing for the letter “O” to find answers to your question. https://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/helpline-topics-o/
(2) On the left hand side of this blog, scroll down and you’ll find the link to the Q & A Database 2008-2015: L – Z (that includes topics beginning with the letter “O”. https://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/database-questions-topics-l-z/#obs
(3) On any Wrightslaw website page, use the google search box to enter your search term. On the main page search box at https://www.wrightslaw.com/ I entered the search term “classroom observation” and 233 results were returned. I’ve copied the links to some below.
https://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/observation-background-checks-for-parent-observation/
https://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/observation-barring-parents-from-the-classroom/
https://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/parent-observation-in-the-classroom/
https://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/can-parents-observe-childrens-classrooms-placements/
https://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/observation-criminal-background-check-for-observation/
https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/priv.confid.observe.htm
https://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/can-our-advocate-observe-my-son-in-class/
https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/ferpa.osep.observe.htm
https://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/can-parents-observe-childrens-classrooms-placements/