Last school year my son's teacher advised that he be held back the following year but said the final decision was up to me. Since he was a substitue teacher for the last 4 wks of school and the regular teacher led me to believe my son was doing fine in school I decided to send him to the next grade. Now at the begining of this school year I was told that it is not my decision to make and he would be held back anyway.
Do I have any rights at all in this at all or not? We live in Illinois and I can't find anything telling me about the state law in this. My son's grades have been C average and he does have trouble with reading comprehension (mainly because he hates to read).
2006-08-15 10:31:59 · 5 answers · asked by Tracy S 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
Yes, you need to ask this question of someone in your area who can answer it. Who at the school told you that it was not your decision? If pass/fail at your son's school is determined by grades, and his have been C's, it seems strange that he would be held back. How old is your son? What grade? That could make a difference.
I could answer your question based upon where I live but that probably wouldn't apply to you. As a previous poster said, school districts usually have due process for cases like this. In most places I have worked such a decision at the primary and elementary level is a joint one between parents and school, but parents probably have less say in the decision as the child gets into higher grades.
The most important thing is that your son have a good year and improve his skills. If the end result is that he is held back, look at it this way. In a few years when he is seventeen or eighteen and getting ready to leave home you may be glad that he spent an extra year in grade school.
Best of luck in getting a solution that will lead to a good year for your son. Whatever the decision in the end, work with it and make it a good one for him.
2006-08-15 10:58:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure the laws are the same, but generally speaking you have what are called "Parent rights" when it comes to your childs education. Whether or not you were led to believe your child was passing doesnt matter, what matters is that you do have a say so in your childs education. The administration can tell you all the reasons why your child should be retained, however, it is your descion. If the school gives you any flack over this contact your local "Advocacy" agency, you can ask at the school for their phone number or call information, or simply contact an attorney and ask them to provide you with the phone number.
I have been in education for almost 8 years, and it is the parents final say.
2006-08-15 10:49:04 · answer #2 · answered by T. S. D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you should have worked with you son more on his reading during the previous school year, and you shouldn't be complaining about your sons' shortcomings now. I agree that his grade level should not be determined by you, but by the school.
PS You could decide to home school your child, but that would only hurt him further, because you haven't taken an interest to his "book learnin'" thus far.
2006-08-15 10:38:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure, but there is probably a due process set up. Call you school principle. If that doesn't work then call your school superintendient and school board members. You can also inquire with your state board of education about the rights of students.
2006-08-15 10:37:36 · answer #4 · answered by The Big Shot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried the Dept. of Education in your state and asked them? Also you might try and ask this question again on Yahoo Answers in the Law area. I live in the state of California and it is different here, so that is all I can suggest.
2006-08-15 10:40:28 · answer #5 · answered by true blu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋