Parents Rights & Responsibilities

1. Applicable Legislation

1.1. Goals

1.1.1. Goal 1

1.1.2. Goal 2

1.2. "Parents have a right and responsibility to make decisions respecting the education of their children" (Preamble, School Act)

1.2.1. Session Rule 1

1.2.2. Session Rule 2

1.3. Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms - addresses individuals rights that parents may use to support their actions/decision.

1.4. Family Law Amendment Act - was changed in March 2005 to "make family law legislation more accessible and understandable to Albertans" (Civil Rights & Education)

1.5. School Act - includes rights and responsibilities of parents, as well as clarifying who has legal guardianship of a students.

2. Parents as Advocates

2.1. There are numerous ways to advocate for your child, for more information visit www.assembly.ab.ca

2.2. Writing letters, letter campaigns, phone calls, emails, meetings, briefs, petitions and forums are all effective ways to advocate for your child's education. See Appendix for more details.

3. Education at Home

3.1. It is crucial to reinforce the importance of schooling to your child - and this will improve their attitude and conception of school.

3.2. Supporting your childs education at home can include reading out loud to them, helping with their homework, providing a rich environment for them to grow in, keeping them physically active, and encouraging them can all contribute to a positive education experience.

3.3. "If we don't discipline ourselves, the world will do it for us" ( Parenting Through the School Years).

4. Special Education

4.1. Parents have the rights to education their children at home if the required standards are met (School Act S29(1)).

4.2. Students cannot be placed into a special education program, or an alternative program, without the consent of the parents (School Act).

4.3. Parents have the right to request a French education for the child (School Act).

5. Keeping Connected - Parental Involvement

5.1. Open communication is the best way for you, your child and the teacher to have a successful educational experience (Heart of Learning).

5.2. If you have any issues with your child's education (or their teacher) first start with the teacher, then the principal, and then higher powers if they cannot help you. However, if a parent is concerned with the conduct of a teacher they should report directly to the ATA regarding this issue (Parenting Through the School Years).

5.3. Attend parent teacher conferences and be prepared to talk to the teacher about any questions or concerns that you may have.

5.4. Assessment is a large part of education, and a parent should stay informed as to how their child is doing, and trust the advice of the professional teacher (Parenting Through the School Years).

6. Parent Behavior

6.1. Parents can be charged under two sections by a teacher/principal/school board, depending on the parents misconduct. Civil Harassment or criminal harassment.

6.2. The principal has the authority at all times to direct anyone (even parents) to leave the school grounds under reasonable motivation (School Act, Ss 177 (1) and (2).

6.3. The School Act clearly states in section 27(1) that no one (including parents) shall interrupt goings on at a school, school board meetings, or trespass on school property. This applies to classroom procedures as well.

6.4. Parents are expected to conduct themselves reasonably. Calling the school/teacher 30 times a day in considered unreasonable.

7. Evolving Over Time

7.1. The government was not involved in the family unit until the late 1880's - this is when the state took it as their responsibility to ensure the welfare of children.

7.2. During the "reform movement of 1880-1920" the Canadian Criminal Code included legislation that penalizes parents/guardians for causing harm to people under 16 years.

7.3. The change in parent rights has been drastic since the 1800's. Children have come from being at the hand of their father only (patriae potestas), to the decisons of their parents (puissance paternelle) to involvement of the government.

7.4. Now, with the alterations to the family unit (which have been brought into legislation in 2005) the courts have the power to retain guardianship over a minor, and the focus has switched from the interests of the parents to the well-being of the child (The Family: Parents' and Children's Rights)