Most parents of children with disabilities do not have extensive experience advocating for accommodations within their school system. In an ideal world, a school would promptly and properly identify the needs of students with disabilities and work to ensure parents understand their options. Since this ideal is not always upheld, it is important to understand…
Tag: Student Rights
Understanding the Basics of Open Enrollment in Ohio: FAQs for Parents and Guardians
In this article, we address the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that parents and guardians commonly inquire when contemplating open enrollment for their children in Ohio. Whether you’re exploring educational alternatives or seeking to understand the implications of such a decision, these FAQ responses aim to provide clarity and insight into the open enrollment process. What…
Student Privacy Rights Under FERPA: What To Do If Your Student’s Privacy Is Violated
Most parents are aware that their students have some privacy rights that schools must take appropriate action to protect. However, many parents are not aware of what establishes those privacy rights and, perhaps more important to parents, what can be done to protect them. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was adopted in…
Michigan must extend right of child sex assault survivors to sue
In recent years, Michigan has become a poster child for shocking examples of large-scale sexual abuse of children and young adults, as the horrific crimes of Larry Nassar at Michigan State University and Robert Anderson at the University of Michigan have come to light. Countless other survivors, whose abusers are not public figures, have gone…
Board of Education Candidates in Ohio Can Be Surprised by State Law Disqualifying Some Candidates from Serving
School board elections are incredibly important to voters because of the direct impact that these elected officials could have on a family. Given the importance of these elections, it is surprising that one Ohio law disqualifying board of education candidates from serving on the board is not more known and understood. According to Section 3313.33(B)…
What College Students Should Know About Off-Campus (Mis)Conduct
Most students know that their college or university can impose sanctions for their on-campus misconduct. What students may not know, however, is that their actions off-campus, including at home or on break, could also lead to sanctions. Colleges and universities have expressed an interest in regulating students’ off-campus behaviors for a variety of reasons. First,…
Five Reasons That College Students Should Have an Education Attorney on Retainer
Going to college is an exciting time in a young person’s life. It’s a time of growth, learning, and independence. However, it’s also a time when students may encounter legal issues they never anticipated. That’s why having an education lawyer on retainer during college can be a wise decision. In this article, we’ll explore the…
Five Big Changes Coming to Ohio Education Laws in the 2023-24 School Year that Parents Should Know
On July 1, 2023, the Ohio House and Senate approved a new 2-year state budget, which was signed into law by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on July 5, 2023. Here are the most important provisions impacting education for Ohio parents and students: PRIVATE SCHOOL VOUCHERS (aka EdChoice Scholarship): All Ohio school children will be eligible…
2023 Ohio Summer Camp List
Summer camp is a longstanding tradition that provides a unique opportunity for children to embark on exciting adventures, make lasting memories, and develop crucial life skills. Summer camp serves as a chance for children to step outside their comfort zones and discover their independence. These unique experiences provided by summer camps build resilience and prepare…
Residency: What does it mean to be a resident of a school district for attendance purposes?
In Ohio, all school-age children have the right to attend the public school of the district in which they reside without charge. But what does residence actually mean for a student? This is an important question as the answer determines what public school your child can attend for free. The general rule is that the…
EdChoice Scholarship Applications Now Open for the 2023-24 School Year to Cover Private School Tuition
The Ohio EdChoice Scholarship Program (“EdChoice”) has expanded its eligibility for 2023-24 allowing more students to attend private schools in the state. EdChoice provides state-funded scholarships to k12 students who: (A more comprehensive list is available at the link below.) Applications for the 2023-24 school year opened on February 1, 2023 and will remain open…
TRUANCY EXPLAINED
As parents of school-age children, we know that children need to attend school on a consistent basis to facilitate learning and thriving. There is also a legal component to a child’s school attendance of which parents should understand the process, procedure, and rules. The following will lay out and explain truancy and the rules surrounding…