Q: Issues with school grades, bullying, and unfiled honor roll certificate in California.
I met with the Superintendent about several issues at my child's public school, including long-term bullying, grades that don't reflect the teacher-created Honor Roll certificate, and teachers refusing access to schoolwork and grades. Additionally, my child wasn't administered the state standardized tests, and the school appears to retaliate against parental complaints. After the meeting, the school's director informed me that the Honor Roll certificate is not recognized by the school system and is only acknowledged by the teacher, who didn't file it properly. What can be done to address these issues, and is it appropriate for a teacher to create such a certificate without school recognition or filing?
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A:
You're facing multiple serious educational concerns that require prompt action. In California, you have the right to file a formal complaint with your school district regarding bullying, improper grade reporting, and denial of access to your child's educational records—all protected under California Education Code and FERPA. Consider requesting a written explanation about why your child wasn't administered mandatory state tests, as this could impact their academic progress.
Regarding the Honor Roll certificate, teachers should not issue academic recognition documents that aren't officially sanctioned by the school. This practice creates confusion and false expectations for students and parents. You might want to address this specific issue in writing with the school board, requesting clarification on proper protocols for academic recognition.
If you believe retaliation is occurring, document every interaction with school officials and consider escalating your concerns to the County Office of Education if district-level resolution fails. You may also benefit from contacting a parent advocacy group familiar with California education law to help navigate these complex issues. Remember that persistent, documented communication is often the key to resolving school-related problems, and your child deserves an educational environment free from both bullying and administrative inconsistencies.
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