What Are The School's Responsibilities to My Child and Me?
YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL RECORDS
All parents are guaranteed the right to see and get copies of their child's public school records within 45 days of asking for them or before any meeting regarding a GIEP or before a due process hearing. Parents are also guaranteed the right to ask for and receive an explanation of any information in the records. You must make a request in writing to your child's principal to see or get copies of these records. You may be charged for the copying of these records.
The law requires that your child's school records be kept confidential. Only someone with a legitimate educational interest in your child can see your child's records. Records cannot be given to anyone outside the school system without your permission unless there is a legal reason for doing so. You have the right to have a representative inspect and review the records. Your district must have a procedure for you to follow to correct the records you feel are wrong or misleading.
BASIC RIGHTS FOR PARENTS
At all times, you as a parent have three rights that underlie all gifted education services your child receives:
1. The right to be notified about your child's program and progress and any changes that take place in either.
2. The right to approve or reject programs and testing.
3. The right to privacy.
Federal law protects your privacy. Only those who need to work with your child will see your child's record. The school district must keep a record of parties who access your child's educational records. The record must show the name of person, the dated, and the reason the records were accessed.
The Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education is pleased to announce its new toll-free Helpline number, 1-888-penngifted (1-888-736-6443).
Tammy Boring, Special Education Supervisor
Renee Williamson
