Legal Support
The legal office at RIDE offers guidance in a variety of areas relating to education law.
We are available to the education community, families, and lawmakers for support in understanding and applying the regulations and statutes relating to education. In addition, we assist families and school districts that may be involved in disagreements or disputes over any matter relating to education by providing a hearing process for achieving resolution.
What do I do if I’m having a problem at my child’s school?
What happens when schools and families don’t agree?
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) recognizes that shared decision-making can be challenging. There are times when family and school team members do not reach agreement or when a student’s entitlements may come under question. RIDE offers several state level options to assist families and schools in resolving issues that remain after attempts for resolution at the local school level have been exhausted.
Before seeking help from RIDE at the state level, consider the following questions: