2024 Guide to Massachusetts Education Law Lawyers

The rights and responsibilities of students in school can vary by state, school policies, and the student’s age. Reviewing guidelines provided by your local educational institution and school administrators can you help understand what is applicable in your area. Some common student rights and responsibilities include:

Student Rights –

• Right to an education
• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of assembly
• Privacy
• Protection from discrimination and harassment
• Due process

Student Responsibilities –

• Attendance
• Behavior and conduct
• Academic performance
• Respect for others
• Compliance with policies

The rights and responsibilities of parents in their children’s education can vary by state and school policies. Reviewing guidelines provided by your local educational institution and school administrators can you help understand what is applicable in your area. Some common parent rights and responsibilities include:

Parent Rights –

• Right to make educational decisions
• Right to access information
• Right to participate in the education process
• Right to privacy

Parent Rights –

• Enrollment and attendance
• Communication and cooperation
• Support and supervision
• Advocacy
• Parental involvement

The rights and responsibilities of teachers in a child’s education can vary by state and school policies. Reviewing guidelines provided by your local educational institution and school administrators can you help understand what is applicable in your area. Some common teacher rights and responsibilities include:

Teacher Rights –

• Academic freedom
• Employment rights
• Professional development
• Freedom of speech
• Protection from harassment and violence

Teacher Responsibilities –

• Instruction and curriculum
• Classroom management
• Student assessments
• Professional conduct
• Collaboration and professional growth

Some students require education accommodations at school, and laws have been passed to ensure students get the access and assistance they need. Ensuring these laws are followed is the responsibility of school officials. All education support and services laws are derived from the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which determines how state agencies provide individual education and other services to children with disabilities. Some of these protections include:

• Evaluation and Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Anti-Discrimination laws
• Procedural safeguards

Consider the following when speaking with any of the education attorneys listed in this lawyer directory:

Comfort Level

- Are you comfortable telling the lawyer personal information and speaking about your child with them? Does the lawyer seem interested in solving your child's problem?

Credentials

- How many years of experience does the lawyer have? Has the lawyer worked on other education law cases similar to yours?

Cost

- How are the lawyer's fees structured - hourly or flat fee? Can the lawyer estimate the cost of your case?

City

- Is the law firm conveniently located for you and your child?