FILE: IHAD
PARENT CONFERENCES
The Caddo Parish School Board realizes that close communication between home and school is an important factor in establishing a highly effective school program. Planned conferences between parents and teachers are an important way to bring about understanding and close cooperation between the home and school. Close communication should be maintained through conferences with all parents, not just with those where academic or other problems suggest the need for closer communication.
ACADEMIC CONFERENCES
At least two (2) parent-teacher conferences shall be scheduled by teachers during the first semester of each school year. At least one (1) parent or legal guardian of the child shall attend or participate in at least one (1) of the scheduled parent-teacher conferences. A teacher need not require a parent or legal guardian to attend a conference if the conference would be unnecessary due to the student’s academic record. Other conferences may be scheduled as the need arises.
If a middle school or high school student has more than one teacher, the parent or legal guardian may participate in the conference by conference call.
The School Board shall direct the Superintendent to establish regulations regarding the failure of the parent or legal guardian to attend at least one (1) of the scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Said regulations shall not include any negative action against the student as a result of the parents/legal guardians not attending the required parent-teacher conference.
The principal or supervisor should be present at any parent-teacher conference when there is reason to anticipate an atmosphere of hostility.
If a student’s academic performance is such that it could threaten the student's ability to be promoted to the next grade level, the student’s parent/legal guardian shall be offered an in-person meeting with the child's classroom teacher and school leader to discuss any resources or strategies available to support and encourage the student's academic improvement.
DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCES
Parents may be required to attend a conference with their student's teacher/ principal/school counselor under the following circumstances:
When a student is removed from a classroom by the teacher, the teacher or the principal or his/her designee may require that the parent or legal guardian of the student have a conference with the teacher or the principal or his/her designee. Such conference may be in person or by telephone or other virtual means.
Upon the third removal from the same classroom during the school year, a conference between the teacher or other appropriate school employee and the student’s parent or legal guardian may be required prior to the student being readmitted to the classroom. Such conference may be in person or by telephone or other virtual means. If such conferences is required by the school, the school shall give written notice to the parent.
In any case where a teacher, principal, or other school employee requires the parent or legal guardian of a student under eighteen (18) to attend a conference or meeting regarding the student's behavior, and, after notice, the parent or legal guardian willfully refuses to attend, the principal or designee shall file a complaint with a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction.
In each case of out-of-school suspension, assignment to alternative placement, or expulsion of a student, a conference shall be scheduled with the student's parent or legal guardian and the principal or his/her designee, as a requirement for readmitting the student to school. Notification of the conference shall be by telephone, electronic communication, or in certain cases, including the case of expulsion, by certified letter. Such conference shall be held within five (5) school days of mailing the certified letter or other contact. If the parent or legal guardian fails to attend the required conference within five (5) school days of mailing the certified letter or other contact with the parent, the truancy laws shall become effective.
On not more than one occasion each school year when the parent or legal guardian refuses to respond, the principal may determine whether readmitting the student is in the best interest of the student. On any subsequent occasions in the same school year, the student shall not be readmitted unless the parent, legal guardian, court, or other appointed representative responds.
When a student is suspended a second time within one school year, the principal may require that a counseling session be held with the parent, student, and the school counselor if a counselor is assigned or available to that school. If no school counselor is assigned at that school, the principal may require a conference between the parent, student and all the student's teachers and the principal or other administrator.
On or before a student’s third unexcused absence or unexcused occurrence of being tardy, the principal or his/her designee shall notify the parent or legal guardian in writing and shall hold a conference with the parent or legal guardian. This notification shall include information relative to the parent or legal guardian's legal responsibility to enforce the student's attendance at school and the civil penalties that may be incurred if the student is determined to be habitually absent or habitually tardy. The parent or legal guardian shall sign a receipt acknowledging notification. Tardy, for the purposes of this enumerated item, shall be as defined in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:233.
TAPE RECORDING AND VIDEO TAPING OF PARENT CONFERENCES OR OTHER PARENT MEETINGS
Audio taping, videotaping and any other electronic means of recording shall not be permitted in any parent/guardian conferences, involving parents/guardian and Caddo Parish School Board personnel without the express written consent of all persons in attendance at such conference. Should any person in attendance at the conference object to the electronic recording of the conference or meeting, no electronic recording of the conference shall be permitted. No person or Caddo Parish School Board employee shall be required to participate in any conference which is being recorded electronically without their written consent.
If a conference is electronically recorded, the recording becomes an educational record subject to the confidentiality requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (if the subject of the discussion relates to a child with disabilities) and their respective implementing regulations.
Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) Conferences, Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) Conferences and Disciplinary Hearings
Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) conferences are not normally recorded; however, a parent or guardian may request to have his/her student’s IEP conference recorded. This request shall be in writing and directed to the Director of Exceptional Children utilizing regular mail or email. This request must be received at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the IEP conference. Upon request, the Director of Exceptional Children will make arrangements for the conference to be recorded. The recorded conference shall become a student record and maintained in accordance with the requirements of State/Federal law. Once requests are approved, all Caddo Parish School Board IEP Team participants (ODR, general and special education teachers, related services personnel and site-based administrator(s) must attend the meeting. Written consent of Caddo Parish School Board employee(s) is not required; however, all participants must be notified the conference is being recorded prior to the start of the conference.
Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) conferences and disciplinary hearings are to be recorded and maintained as a student record.
Revised: February 20, 2024
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:233, 17:406.7, 17:416
La. Children's Code, Art. 730, Art. 731
Board minutes, 6-6-90, 9-4-91, 6-24-92, 4-20-04, 2-20-24
Caddo Parish School Board