- My child is being expelled, even though he/she is a senior – can the school do this?
Yes. However, the school may allow alternative options to allow the student to finish the year and graduate. Contact the school principal/administrator to determine if the student can take final exams, submit final papers, etc. to graduate. The student must be provided due process.
- Can the school deny my student a diploma because I owe fees?
No, not if it’s a public school. A public school can’t withhold records (including a diploma) because a student owes fees. The school corporation does have the option of taking the parent to small claims court.
- Can the school deny my student the right to participate in commencement because I owe fees?
No, not if it’s a public school. IC 20-33-5-11 provides that the student cannot be denied any benefit or privilege because a parent doesn’t pay required fees. The student should not be penalized because of the parent. A student can, however, be denied participation in commencement because of the student’s behavior.
- Can I appeal my student’s grade?
It is a local decision.
- Can the school deny my student the right to participate in commencement/prom because he/she has been suspended or expelled?
It is a local decision.
- Can the school deny my right to attend the prom as part of a discipline sanction?
It is a local decision.
- Can the school deny my child the right to participate in commencement if he will be finishing final coursework over the summer?
This is a local decision. Some schools will only allow students to participate if they’ve met all requirements prior to the ceremony. Some schools will allow students who will be completing requirements over the summer to participate and will simply issue a ‘certificate’ or blank diploma at the time of the commencement. Ultimately, it’s determined by corporation policy.
- My school corporation closed due to severe weather; can the corporation change the date of graduation?
Yes, local decision.
- We have planned a family vacation; however, the school is extending the school year to make up for snow days. Can the school refuse to excuse the absence(s)?
It is a local decision – contact the principal of the school.
- My son is a senior and the school is telling seniors that they have to come back after graduation to make up for snow days. Can they do that?
Yes. It is a local decision.
- My child is being retained – what are my rights?
Retention for the 2024-2025 school year is a local decision except for grade 3. Students must pass IREAD to be promoted to grade 4. Schools may discuss the possibility of retention through a Good Cause Exemption for some students who do not pass the IREAD test in third grade (questions 10-11 for more information) IDOE recommends scheduling a meeting with your child’s teacher and/or school administrator to discuss the best options using data and various considerations for them individually.
- If my child doesn’t pass the spring IREAD assessment, will the student be retained?
Students in grade 3 must pass the IREAD assessment to be promoted to grade 4. Some students may be granted a Good Cause Exemption if they meet one of five criteria. See the IREAD website for additional information. Students who do not pass will continue to participate in the assessment until the student passes or is promoted to grade 7.
- If my child doesn’t pass the spring or summer IREAD assessment, would the student be eligible for a Good Cause Exemption?
Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, third grade students who do not pass IREAD-3 during the spring or summer administrations must be retained to ensure that they are able to receive the appropriate supports. Each school will establish a procedure that allows a parent of a student who: (1) has been retained in grade 3 under the plan; and (2) would not be subject to retention for other reasons; to appeal the student's retention if the parent believes the student meets an exception:
