Ask an Expert: Judy Goddess
Using California School Law To Advocate For Your Kids

Do I have the right to review my child's school records? If so, can I appeal statements that have been filed or can I have additional information added to the records?

You certainly do have the right to review any and all records the school keeps on your child, with the exception of private notes kept by the teacher and not shared with anyone, including any other teacher. If those notes are shared with anyone else on staff, they also become part of the child's file and are available for review by the parent. You also have the right to appeal anything that's in the record, and to add information to it.

To view your child's records, you need to make a written request to the school. Some schools have developed record request forms; at other schools, parents must write a letter to the principal. Under state law, every school district must inform parents annually of the type of information maintained in school records and the parent's right to access, copy, challenge, correct, add, or remove material from their child's record. This notice is typically sent home at the beginning of the school year. While California law does not specify how soon the school has to respond to the parent's request, the federal law on school records establishes a maximum of 20 days.

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