20 Education Law FAQs Every Parent Should Know

1–5: Basic Education Rights

What are education laws?

Answer: Education laws have been put in place to regulate how schools work and to protect students’ rights, which allows them to obtain an education and receive policies fairly.

Do all children have the right to education?

Answer: In most countries, the government is obligated to provide free and compulsory schooling up to a specific age.

Can a school prevent a child from attending?

Answer: Public schools cannot refuse to admit a child on the basis of race, religion, gender, or disability. Private schools can be more selective but are not exempt from anti-discrimination laws.

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What are the rights of parents in their child’s education?

Answer: Parents have the right to participate in decision-making, receive school records, and advocate for their child’s needs.

Do schools have a duty to provide special education services?

Answer: Public schools must provide special education under laws like the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) in the U.S.

6–10: Attendance and Discipline

What happens if my child misses school frequently?

Answer: Excessive absences may result in truancy proceedings, but schools should work with parents to address underlying issues.

Can a school suspend or expel a child without notice?

No, schools must provide notice and a fair hearing before suspending or expelling a student.

What rights does my child have in a disciplinary hearing?

Answer: Students have the right to tell their side, review evidence, and be represented by a parent or advocate.

Can schools punish students for what happens outside of school?

Answer: Yes, if the conduct is a disruption to the school operation or presents a danger to students.

Can corporal punishment be administered in school?

Answer: It depends on state or national laws; some allow it, while others strictly prohibit it.

11–15: Special Education and Disabilities

What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

Answer: An IEP is a customized plan outlining services and accommodations for a child with disabilities in public schools.

Can a school refuse to evaluate my child for special education?

Answer: No, schools must evaluate a child if there’s reasonable evidence of a disability affecting learning.

What are Section 504 plans?

Answer: These plans provide accommodations for students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Can a school deny accommodations for a child with a disability?

Answer: Public schools must provide reasonable accommodations unless they impose undue hardship or alter the nature of the program.

What should I do if the school isn’t following my child’s IEP?

Answer: File a complaint with the school district or request mediation or a due process hearing.

16–20: Miscellaneous Questions

Can schools restrict religious expression?

Answer: Public schools cannot prohibit private religious expression, but they must remain neutral and not endorse specific religions.

Can parents opt their child out of certain lessons?

Answer: Parents may opt out of lessons conflicting with their beliefs, such as sex education, if state laws allow.

What are students’ privacy rights?

Answer: Laws such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) protect student records and limit access without parental consent.

Can schools search a student’s belongings?

Answer: Yes, but searches must be reasonable and based on specific suspicion of rule violations.

Are schools responsible for bullying incidents?

Answer: Schools must address bullying and ensure a safe environment. Failure to act may result in liability.

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