Educational Champion Training MODULE 4: Education Records and Credits © National Center for Youth Law, April This document does not constitute legal advice or representation. For legal advice, readers should consult their own counsel. This document may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes provided any reproduction is accompanied by an acknowledgement. All other rights reserved. 1

Why Focus on Education Records and Credits? Monitoring a child’s progress in school is a crucial component of supporting the child’s academic success. Monitoring progress requires knowing how to access, review, and understand school records. Child in foster care often encounters changes in school placement, problems with the timely/complete transfer of school records, and improper accounting of their course credits. This causes them to fall behind their peers academically and increase drop-out rates. APRIL 20132

Reviewing school records and report cards is an important part of supporting the child’s education. Reviewing records and report cards will help you: Learn about the child’s past school experiences, Stay up-to-date on the child’s school progress, Understand the child’s academic strengths, Spot any areas in which the child might need help, and Show the child that you think his/her education is important. APRIL 20133

Review the child’s school records. If you don’t already have copies of the child’s school records, ask the school to provide copies or set up a time to review the records at the school. You must request these in writing. When you review the records, make a note of anything that you don’t understand or have questions about. Keep your copies of the child’s school records in a safe place. APRIL 20134

Review the child’s report cards and reports the school provides. Let the school know that you want to receive copies of all report cards and other school reports. You must request these in writing. Always make time to talk to the child about report cards and progress reports. Keep all school records in a safe place where you can find them easily. Access the child’s grades, attendance records, and other information through the school’s online portal. APRIL 20135

If you have questions about anything in the child’s school records, don’t be afraid to ask. If you are the child’s ed rights holder: If there is something in the child’s school records that you don’t understand, contact the child’s teacher or school staff. If you are concerned about the child’s grades or progress, ask the teacher if you can set up a time to meet or talk by phone. If you believe that something in the child’s school record is inaccurate, misleading, or an invasion of privacy, you can challenge the record by making a written request to the district superintendent. APRIL 20136

Additional thoughts if you don’t hold ed rights. If you don’t hold education rights for the child, reach out to the person who does to let him/her know that you’re interested in reviewing the child’s records and speaking with the child’s teacher. If the education rights holder is the child’s birth parent, check with the social worker for the best way to do this. APRIL 20137

If the child moves to a new school placement. Check with the school to make sure that: The child’s records are sent to the new school, and The child is given credit for full or partial coursework completed. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the school district’s foster youth liaison. If the issue isn’t resolved right away, the child’s attorney can also help. APRIL 20138

If the youth is in high school or will be starting high school soon. Help the youth review the school’s graduation requirements to make sure s/he is on track to meet these requirements. Talk to the youth about what classes to take. Encourage the youth to talk to a school counselor or academic advisor about graduation requirements and course options APRIL 20139

Consider getting input from other adults involved in the child’s life. Especially if the child does not live with you, you may want to ask other adults in the child’s life for support and feedback in making education-related decisions. APRIL

My Goals: What I will do:How often I will do this: _____________________________________ APRIL

Resources. This PowerPoint, Tip Sheets, Mentoring Modules, and supporting materials can be found at: If you have questions about the materials, please contact: Other Resources: AB 167 and AB 490 Factsheets, written by the California Foster Youth Education Task Force, available at AB 167: FAQs, written by the California Foster Youth Education Task Force, available at Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About AB 490, written by the California Foster Youth Education Task Force, available at Credit Transfer and School Completion Q&A, written by the ABA’s Legal Center for Foster Care & Education High School Graduation Requirements, available at APRIL