Talk to an Education Advocate

If you live in Alameda, Contra Costa or Yolo Counties, an Education Advocate can talk to you about special education and give you resources so you can make informed decisions about your child's education and other individual needs.

Call 800-348-4232


Law and Special Education

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

 

FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It gives parents certain rights to review and request changes in their child's school records as well as requiring parental permission for the release of education records except under specified circumstances.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

 

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The law holds states and school districts more accountable for ensuring that all students reach certain proficiency standards in a specified amount of time. If standards are not met in time, students can transfer to higher performing schools or receive supplemental services such as tutoring. The law also makes other provisions regarding curriculum, teacher qualify, and parental rights to certain information. Children with disabilities are included in the standardized testing that determines whether a school meets the mandated standards, and 95% of students with disabilities must participate in the annual testing.