8 MOST IMPORTANT PARENTAL RIGHTS (when dealing with schools) by Katherine Bobula R.N., B.Sc. N., MAED
For the most part I believe we can agree that the educational institution needs major revamping. Most of our classes are oversized with students, teachers need more aids and time for preparations, the needs of students are more diverse than ever before and the support network for the teachers as well as the students is lacking.Given all the above, it’s inevitable for conflict among the different parties to arise from time to time. When disagreements or differences do arise at school, it’s important for all parties to ensure information from ALL sources (students, parents and teachers) is discussed openly and with respect. Miscommunications are commonplace and the short-, as well as the long-term effects can be quite disastrous.Parents, students and teachers all have rights. Parents and teachers are in a much better position at the beginning of the situation if they’re mindset is to better understand how to create positive changes for the students rather than make it a battle of wills. Before any action, I again underline the importance of gathering all the information from all the sources, which includes the student, teacher, other students (if deemed appropriate), principle, teacher’s aid, and any other relevant sources. Sometimes simple clarifications clear up potentially disastrous situations.However, as conciliatory and respectful as the encounters between parties should be, it’s important for parents to know what their rights are within the educational system. For this reason, I have briefly listed 8 parental rights.
- A parent has the right to have their child educated
- A parent has the right to see their child’s portfolio or student file
- A parent has the right to have their child educated in a safe environment, which includes all school property and the time during the bus ride
- A parent has the right to sit in on all their child’s classes
- A parent has the right to receive regular feedback from the educational institution, which includes teacher, teacher’s aid, administrator and other educational staff such as supply teachers, etc
- A parent has the right to meet with the teacher, aids, principle and administrators of the child’s educational institution
- A parent has the right to participate in school activities that relate to their child
- A parent has the right to NOT medicate their child and still have the child attend school
Parents and teachers should try to create a positive working relationship for the students. It is never a question of winning or losing. The health and wellness of the students is the real priority. Raising issues should not be a forum for confrontation, but rather an opportunity to create a better learning environment for all students.