Q: What’s our rights when it comes to declining a SST meeting for my child ? I was told if I didn’t agree to the meeting….

A: In California, parents have the right to participate in the decision-making process regarding their child's education, including whether to participate in Student Success Team (SST) meetings. SST meetings are designed to bring together parents, teachers, and other school staff to identify and address student academic, social, or emotional needs.

While schools are required to provide notice and encourage parent participation in SST meetings, parents are not required to attend or participate in these meetings if they do not wish to do so. It is not appropriate for school officials to threaten parents with child protective services or accuse them of educational neglect simply because they decline to participate in an SST meeting.

If you are feeling bullied or pressured by school administrators, it may be helpful to seek out additional support and resources. You can consider speaking with a parent advocate, consulting with an education law attorney, or contacting your school district's special education department to discuss your concerns and rights.

If you have concerns about your child's education or are experiencing difficulty communicating with school officials, it may be helpful to document your interactions and communication with the school, including any threats or allegations made against you. This documentation can be helpful if you need to challenge any allegations of educational neglect or if you wish to file a complaint with the school district or relevant regulatory agency.

A: You should try contacting a lawyer who has experience handling children's rights matters. You will not get all the answers you need here on this forum. Instead, you need to be interacting with lawyers who can give you ongoing legal advice.