Parental Rights
“Research has shown conclusively that early and sustained family involvement in the education of children results both in improved pupil achievement and in schools that are successful at educating all children.”
California Educational Code, Section 51100
California Parents have specific rights
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Classroom observation
Parent-teacher conferences
Volunteering in the classroom
Monitoring student attendance
Receiving student testing results
Determining school selection
Ensuring safe school environments
Reviewing curriculum
Monitoring academic progress
Access to students’ records
Helping to establish and review standards
Participating in the development of school rules
Giving written permission for psychological testing
Participating in councils and committees
Contributing to policy development
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1. Identifying and incorporating goals related to local priorities.
2. Ensuring all students have access to fully credentialed teachers, quality instructional materials and safe facilities.
3. Ensuring that parents are engaged in the decision-making process and the educational programs of students.
4. Monitoring student achievement and outcomes along multiple measures, including test scores, English proficiency, and college and career preparedness.
5. Supporting student engagement, including whether students attend school or are chronically absent.
6. Evaluating the school climate and connectedness.
7. Ensuring all students have access to classes that prepare them for college and careers.
8. Measuring other important student outcomes related to required areas of study, including physical education and the arts.
Learn how to participate in the Local Accountability Plan for PVPUSD
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Parents must provide consent for all physical and mental healthcare administered to their children, except in very limited circumstances. Know your rights: Read the LA County guidance on minor consent. Many healthcare professionals attempt to exclude parents from medical consultations with adolescents. This is only legal in the limited situations defined in the pamphlet linked above. An adolescent may choose to have the parent present even in those situations. Also, an adolescent may submit an Advanced Healthcare Directive to the healthcare professional, so that all treatment must be approved by the parent.
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Written parental consent must be obtained before therapy or any mental health services can be provided to a child. California Family Code 6924
Schools must obtain a parent’s written permission before questioning a child on personal beliefs, sex, morality, family life, or religion. California Ed Code 51513
Students cannot be required to affirm or disavow any world view, religious belief or political opinion. California Ed Code 49091.12
All teachers and school employees are mandatory reporters for suspected child abuse. Parents who waive their privacy rights and allow their children to engage in Social/Emotional Learning surveys or activities are putting themselves at risk for false accusations of child abuse.
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Parents cannot be subject to any evaluation or monitoring of the quality or character of a student’s home life.
Parents may not be tested or screened for any reason.
Schools cannot require a nonacademic home-based counseling program.
Schools cannot require any type of parent training.
Schools cannot require participation in any prescribed family education service plan.
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Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit organization offering legal resources to parents. Click here for resources.