force you to leave Center for Childrens Advocacy Alternative Schools Project wwwkidscounselorg What you c an d o a bout PUSHOUT What is Push Out Push Out happens when a school tries to ID: 278076
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Slide1
Is your school trying to force you to leave?
Center for Children’s Advocacy - Alternative Schools Project www.kidscounsel.org
What you
c
an
d
o
a
bout
PUSH-OUT
Slide2
What is Push Out?Push Out happens when a school tries to get a student to withdraw from school.
Sometimes, they don’t tell students they have a right to stay in school.Sometimes, they don’t tell students they can
get extra help in school so they can do better.
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide3
What are your rights?You have a right to stay in school if
all of these are true:You are under 21You are not expelled
You are not already a high school graduate
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide4
What are your rights?You have the right to make your own
choice about withdrawing from school if one of these is true:
You are
17 and you have the consent
of your parent or guardian
You
are
18 years old
(you can withdraw on your own)
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide5
Alternative SchoolsWhat can you do if your school is trying to make you withdraw – and attend an Alternative School
or Alternative Program instead?Your school cannot force you to go to a different school or program unless you were expelled.
If you’re a Special Education student, your school has
to hold a PPT (Planning and Placement Team meeting) to decide if an alternative program can help you – before they suggest that you go to one.
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide6
Are they trying to expel you?What happens if the school says they will expel you if you don’t withdraw?You do not have to withdraw just because
the school threatens to expel you.The school has to hold a hearing before they can expel you. They have to prove that you committed a serious offense that violated school rules or policy. This is an Expulsion Hearing.
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide7
What is an Expulsion Hearing?At an Expulsion Hearing, the school tells why they want to expel you and you have the right to tell your side of the story.
You have a right to have a lawyer or an advocate there to help you.Remember – you and your parent or guardian get to decide if you want to fight the expulsion or withdraw from school. You have the right to ask a lawyer for advice to help you decide.
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide8
How do I get a lawyer?If your school has scheduled an Expulsion Hearing for you, call the Center for Children’s Advocacy’s Alternative Schools Project.Call 203-223-8975.
They may be able to help you get a lawyer who can help you for free.CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide9
What happens if I’m failing?Even if you are failing or you have missed a lot of school, the school cannot tell you that you have to leave.You have the right to get the help that you need
in school.
Your parent or guardian can write a letter to the school
and ask for a PPT to talk about how to get the help you need to do better.
Make sure there is a date on the letter before it gets mailed. Make sure you keep a copy.
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide10
What happens at the PPT?Be sure you
go to the PPT meeting with your parent or guardian so you can speak up
and
tell the school
about the help that you
need.
Some of
the help
the school can provide includes:
T
utoring after school or on weekends
S
ervices
to help
learn
or improve your English
S
pecial Education -
if you have a disability or need
services to
make progress
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide11
Getting ready for the PPTYou can call a lawyer or advocate to help you prepare for your PPT.
The State Department of Education website has a guide called “Parent’s Guide to Special Education.” The guide has information about the PPT process. www.sde.ct.gov
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide12
What is an Alternative School?Alternative Schools or Programs offer
different services and opportunities than regular high school.
Some
are in a separate building from
the
regular high
school. Others
are in the same building but you have to stay
in
certain classrooms or
go to school in the evening.
Alternative Schools
and
Programs are
different
in
each city or town.
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide13
Who decides if I go to an Alternative School?You and your parent or guardian get to make this decision.Ask a lot of questions before you decide!
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide14
What questions should I ask?Find out as much as you can before you make a decision:Where is the school located?What hours would I go to school?
How many students are in each class?Can I get extra help if I need it?Can I take the same classes I take now?Can I participate in sports or band if I want to?
When can I go back to my regular school?
Can I get Special Ed if I need it?
Make sure you visit the school before you decide!
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide15
What is GED or Credit Diploma?GED and the Credit Diploma are Adult Education programs.
Some important facts about Adult Ed:It does NOT offer extra help if you need it.It is not as many hours as regular school.
If you miss too many days, you will lose your credits and have to start all over the next year.
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide16
You get to decide.The school cannot force you to withdraw and attend Adult Education. Only you can decide.Remember:
First, ask for extra help at school before considering adult education.Ask to visit and explore the Alternative School or Program before considering Adult Ed.
CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide17
Did you already withdraw?If you have already withdrawn from school, the law gives you 10 days to change your mind.If you withdrew more than 10 days ago, the school can refuse to re-enroll you for 90 days. BUT, you should still try to re-enroll because they can let you back in if they choose.
If you withdrew because the school pushed you into the decision, call for help to get back in.CCA Alternative Schools ProjectSlide18
Who can I call for help?If you need help or have questions about your legal rights, call:
Attorney Leon SmithCenter for Children’s AdvocacyAlternative Schools Project860-570-5327 or
203-223-8975
Statewide Legal Services
Pro Bono Expulsion Project
800-453-3320
CCA Alternative Schools Project