Parents
Fair School Funding
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The Law Center believes that important reforms are needed for Pennsylvania’s system of charter schools. However, it is important to note that the legislative process for charter school reform has headed down the wrong path.
(The following analysis highlights proposed changes to the law. These changes were not adopted in 2012 or 2013, but many of them are contained in current charter law proposals before the legislature.)
Parents
Equal Access
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This tool is for parents, guardians, caregivers, Educational Decision-Makers (EDMs), and surrogate parents who have disabilities to request needed reasonable accommodations, modifications, or services to ensure that they can participate in making educational decisions for their child.
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Children who qualify for early intervention services should not experience gaps in the educational services they are entitled to receive under federal and state law as they transition through programs: Infant and Toddler Early Intervention, Preschool Early Intervention, and school-age programs.
This fact sheet provides information on how parents can make sure their young children get the services they need when transitioning into different educational programs.
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The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act and Right-To-Know Law (RTKL) require that the public have access to the meetings of public agencies to promote transparency and accountability, and require public access to records and information about the operations and decisions of school entities.
Learn more about your rights and how to respond to violations of these laws by reading our fact sheet.
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Students who are pregnant and parenting deserve the opportunity to complete their education free from bias and discrimination and in a learning environment that is supportive and affirming.
This fact sheet explains the rights of pregnant or parenting students and identifies how to seek help if your rights are violated.
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What to Do When Your Child is Bullied or Harassed: A Parent’s Guide to Advocacy in PA Public Schools
Bullying and harassment are pervasive problems in Pennsylvania, the United States, and even globally. Students who are bullied are at increased risk of experiencing health problems, academic struggles, and more frequently drop out of school.
If the school knows that a current student is being bullied or harassed by another student at school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school, the school has a legal duty to investigate and take action to keep your child safe. The school should also provide your child supports and interventions when bullying or harassment occurs outside of school (including on social media) if it is substantially interfering with your child’s education or causing a threatening environment. This guide offers suggested steps to ensure the school fulfills these duties.
Read the Parent’s Guide.
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This collection of “tools” is intended to help parents and providers ensure school success for children and youth (ages 3-21) in Pennsylvania who are experiencing homelessness. The toolkit provides information about important laws and explains legal rights and how to use them.
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The Law Center believes that important reforms are needed for Pennsylvania’s system of charter schools. However, it is important to note that the legislative process for charter school reform has headed down the wrong path.
(The following analysis highlights proposed changes to the law. These changes were not adopted in 2012 or 2013, but many of them are contained in current charter law proposals before the legislature.)