Ryan: Do I need permission to sit in my child’s classroom?
Parent Rights: PERMISSION TO SIT IN ON CLASS
Special Education Law and Advocacy
I am a Grandparent/Guardian, I have a 10th grader who has expressed wanting to kill herself while at school. Fortunately, she text this to me and immediate actions were taken. She is currently in a facility for evaluation and safety. I contacted the school where she attends and expressed my concerns. I requested to be present her classes when she returns as I am concerned, she will try to harm herself. I was rejected. Is there any laws that will give me permission to be present at her school? There is a problem with students having weed and vape pens in class as well as the restrooms. My granddaughter is now involved with other students who are giving her the vape pen. I really need some advice. she will be discharged in a few days to return to school, and I am trying to be prepared.
Victoria, Your state parent training & information project should be able to give you your options in your state. http://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/
What are the laws for me visiting my child in class. General statements of having or not having a right is not actionable or reliable as authoritative. The statements need to be supported by laws bc that is the only thing that schools comply with.
If there are any laws, they will be state laws. Districts should also have policies that follow the law, & address classroom observations.
Principals are responsible for tracking and noting any visitors in the schools as well as the purpose and activities of those visitors. This is a general safety protocol for obvious reasons. I do understand your general question is sitting in on your child’s class to observe–observations or visits must be approved. Parents cannot just show up in classrooms without approval. Parents who just show up and sit in a classroom may be treated as suspect–I have seen this many times and principals have to take action towards those parents–sometimes even escorting them out of the building or just educating the parent about procedures. Work with the school to observe–with proper permissions and preparation. Permission builds relationships and collaboration.
Would you please help me your input on the following:
As a parent, do we have the right to visit the class of our child? I understand that we would need to request in advance, but can the school deny the parent of visiting his child class?
Parent, the school does set rules but make your request in writing and make sure that the school responds in writing as well. Paper trail. Make sure you explain why you are wanting to visit the class. The school May deny the request but at least you would have it in writing.
I’m California, parents can in fact sit in on a class at any time for any reason because it is a PUBLIC school and there is no right to privacy. All you have to do is check in at the office and sign in. They can not deny you under the law. And when they do, the state comes in and swings the hammer for discrimination.