§2164a Rights of parents of children attending schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity

Summary

Gives parents of children in schools run by the Department of Defense Education Activity clear rights over their child’s education. Parents can see the curriculum and all teaching materials, be told if academic standards or learning goals change, meet each of their child’s teachers at least twice a year, see the school’s library book list, speak to the school advisory committee or board, get data about discipline that leads to suspension or expulsion (unless the law stops that), and be told in advance if gifted or accelerated programs might be cut. Requires schools to post each course’s curriculum, the academic standards, and any proposed changes on a public school website. Schools must offer and notify parents of the chance to meet teachers in person at least twice per school year at agreed times. Schools must give parents access to the online library catalog (this and the library-book list right do not take effect until two years after the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024). Schools must notify parents in a timely way about plans to cut gifted programs. Schools must notify parents and get written consent before any medical exam or screening, except in true emergencies, in which case parents must be told promptly and given an explanation. Schools must get written consent before collecting medical information and let parents inspect it. A requirement does not apply if it would violate any Federal or State statute or regulation. Advisory committees or school boards must allow parents to speak at least four times per year. Definitions: “medical examination or screening” means a physical exam by a health care provider, not an encounter with non‑clinical school staff. “School” means a DoD domestic dependent elementary or secondary school or any DoDEA-operated dependent school or program.