{"id":354854,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:41","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/curriculum-standards-school-funding\/school-curriculum-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-06-10T18:15:13","modified_gmt":"2024-06-10T23:15:13","slug":"school-curriculum-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/curriculum-standards-school-funding\/school-curriculum-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"School Curriculum Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">School Curriculum Basics<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    <p><i>Created by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw&#8217;s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 10, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Schools shape a learner&#8217;s education. Their goal is to create enriching learning experiences through the school curriculum.<\/p>\r\n<p>In education, a curriculum is like a roadmap for student learning. It contains lessons and activities designed by teachers and educators.<\/p>\r\n<p>School curriculum refers to a particular set of courses offered by a school. It may also refer to activities designed to foster education. These courses help meet the needs of a learning community.<\/p>\r\n<p>This section provides information to help you understand the basics of school curricula. Select from the list of titles to learn more.<\/p>\r\n<h2>What Does Curriculum Law Address?<\/h2>\r\n<p>From a legal perspective, curriculum issues focus on two areas:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The range of courses or instructional programs available to students<\/li>\r\n<li>All activities, materials, procedures, and instructional aides used in the instructional program<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>As with any area of law, legal disputes can arise. Parents, students, and educators may have concerns about what the curriculum includes or excludes. For example, educational censorship has been a growing subject of debate.&nbsp;Understanding how schools use curriculum can be helpful.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Basics of School Curriculum Standards<\/h2>\r\n<p>Educational bodies create academic standards that guide school curricula. An example of an educational body is the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ed.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Department of Education site - ED.gov\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Education<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>School districts decide what students should learn from kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum is a blueprint for what students should know at each grade level.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<h3>Flexibility vs. Standardization<\/h3>\r\n<p>Standards are specific to different subject areas. They aim to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.&nbsp;Every subject students learn in school is part of the curriculum. This usually includes math, science, English, and history. Curriculum and instruction go hand-in-hand to ensure students gain knowledge and skills.<\/p>\r\n<p>These standards also involve learning goals for student progress. For instance, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecorestandards.org\/read-the-standards\/\" title=\"Common Core State Standards - TheCoreStandards.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Common Core State Standards<\/a>&nbsp;set national benchmarks.&nbsp;They equip students with essential skills in middle school and high school.<\/p>\r\n<p>Yet, most school administrators recognize that each student is unique. Students have different talents, weaknesses, and goals in life.&nbsp;<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">That&#8217;s why many schools create flexible curricula. They give students options that do not fit a standard mold.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>For example, they may include more challenging tracks for advanced students. They might also provide&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/special-education-and-disabilities\/special-education-and-disability-access-the-idea-and-placing.html\" title=\"Special Education and Disability Access\">remedial tracks for struggling students.<\/a>&nbsp;Some schools offer courses emphasizing math and science to develop these interests.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Curriculum Decisionmaking<\/h2>\r\n<p>Each school district has its process for developing curriculums. Curriculums may subject both school administrators and the board of education to scrutiny. Parents and organizations may criticize what should be in the curriculum.<\/p>\r\n<p>When developing a curriculum, educators refer to education standards. These are goals set by experts in education. They tell us what students should know and be able to do at every grade level. Standards are necessary because they ensure that all students learn the same content.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Pedagogy: Teaching Approaches<\/h3>\r\n<p>School boards must design a curriculum that furthers&nbsp;legitimate pedagogical concerns.&nbsp;Yet, this term is rarely defined with any specificity. School boards must determine for themselves what this means. State and federal authorities may provide guidance. They offer better resources to research and develop the most effective school policies.<\/p>\r\n<p>There is no universal definition for legitimate pedagogical concerns. Courts have given some guidance on what activities would fall outside of this scope.<\/p>\r\n<p>Examples of excluded curricular items include:<br>\r\n<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Political advocacy<\/li>\r\n<li>Bias or prejudice<\/li>\r\n<li>Lack of neutrality in religious matters<\/li>\r\n<li>Sexually harassing speech<\/li>\r\n<li>Vulgarity, profanity, nudity, sexuality, drug use, violence, or other inappropriate themes<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Sometimes, students need help with specific subjects or topics. That is where interventions come in. An intervention is an extra helping hand. It can be more focused teaching or tutoring to help students catch up. This can be in small groups or one-on-one. The goal is to ensure that every student understands their learning, even if it is difficult.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Curriculum Development<\/h3>\r\n<p>Curriculum development is a critical aspect of public school operations. It involves creating curriculum frameworks and lesson plans. It also requires selecting instructional materials to guide teaching. The process requires ongoing professional development for educators.<\/p>\r\n<p>Curriculum development also mandates the involvement of stakeholders. Stakeholders can include teachers, parents, and even students. This cooperation ensures that the curricular choices meet learners&#8217; needs. It also ensures the choices align with state and national standards.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Who Has Authority Over Curriculum Standards?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Nearly every level of government has some role in deciding public schools&#8217; curricula.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Federal Educational Authority<\/h3>\r\n<p>The President of the United States sets nationwide educational goals. These goals are for local educators to ensure that students from the U.S. can compete for work globally.<\/p>\r\n<p>The U.S. Department of Education conducts research on educational policy. It also manages federal <a title=\"School Funding\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/curriculum-standards-school-funding\/school-funding.html\">funding for schools<\/a> that need extra money. These schools must also meet certain standards set by Congress and the President.<\/p>\r\n<h3>State Educational Authority<\/h3>\r\n<p>The role of state governments in designing curricula varies from state to state. In general, states set broad curriculum goals. State governments often help fund individual schools. These schools teach the curriculum set by the state government.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Local Education Authority<\/h3>\r\n<p>Local boards of education and school district administrators play the largest role.<\/p>\r\n<p>Boards of education typically contain the following people:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Elected parents<\/li>\r\n<li>Members of the community<\/li>\r\n<li>Teachers<\/li>\r\n<li>School administrators<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>All these people work together to create a curriculum.&nbsp;<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">This curriculum&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/curriculum-standards-school-funding\/free-speech-and-ideological-content.html\" title=\"Free Speech and Ideological Content\">reflects the values of the community<\/a><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>School boards often set specific yearly goals that students must achieve. They can select textbooks, approve funding for lab equipment, and supply other instructional aides.<\/p>\r\n<p>Teachers create specific lesson plans to meet the school board&#8217;s goals. In some schools, teachers select textbooks and classroom activities for their students. Teachers also&nbsp;give feedback on the curriculum&#8217;s effectiveness to the school&#8217;s administrators.<\/p>\r\n<h2>National School Curriculum Standards<\/h2>\r\n<p>National standards set a consistent understanding of what students should learn.&nbsp;These standards harmonize learning experiences across the United States. They allow students to get a similar education regardless of where they live.<\/p>\r\n<p>An example is the Common Core Standards, which<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">&nbsp;encompass <\/span><a title=\"Competency Testing\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/curriculum-standards-school-funding\/competency-testing.html\">critical competencies<\/a> and content areas. They also encourage academic growth and promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.<\/p>\r\n<p>Traditionally, local governments set standards for students&#8217; curriculums. Communities had some flexibility to best prepare students to succeed in the local economy. Yet, standardized primary and secondary school education has become more common.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Voluntary Standards<\/h3>\r\n<p>There is no comprehensive national curriculum that all school districts must teach. Instead, independent organizations have created model curricula to help school districts.<\/p>\r\n<p>Voluntary standards&nbsp;exist for the following areas:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Mathematics<\/li>\r\n<li>Science<\/li>\r\n<li>Language arts<\/li>\r\n<li>Fine arts<\/li>\r\n<li>Social science<\/li>\r\n<li>Technology<\/li>\r\n<li>Physical education<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Schools may incorporate these standards when designing the curriculum.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<h3>National Standards for English Language Arts and Social Sciences<\/h3>\r\n<p>English language arts and social studies are two critical subject areas. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/corestandards.org\/\" title=\"Common Core State Standards (CCSS) - CoreStandards.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Common Core State Standards<\/a>&nbsp;(CCSS) for English Language Arts sets reading, writing, and communication goals. It lays out curricula standards from pre-kindergarten through high school graduation.<\/p>\r\n<p>Social sciences include history, geography, and civics. There are national standards for social sciences. For example, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.socialstudies.org\/\" title=\"National Council for Social Studies - SocialStudies.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Council for Social Studies<\/a>&nbsp;offers a framework for teaching and learning.<\/p>\r\n<h3>The National Assessment of Educational Progress<\/h3>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/nationsreportcard\/\" title=\"The Nation&#039;s Report Card - NCES.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Assessment of Educational Progress<\/a>&nbsp;(NAEP) is a nationally administered test. This test is also known as the &quot;Nation&#8217;s Report Card.&quot; The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/\" title=\"National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) - NCES.ED.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Center for Educational Statistics<\/a>&nbsp;(NCES) issues the NAEP nationwide to schools. They do this to get a representative sample of the nation&#8217;s student body. NCES does not require a particular curriculum. The results may provide insight. They can help highlight the effectiveness of a school district&#8217;s educational system.<\/p>\r\n<h2>High School Graduation Requirements<\/h2>\r\n<p>High school graduation requirements help with a variety of objectives. They are designed to prepare students for both higher education and career readiness.<\/p>\r\n<p>These requirements often include a mix of core academic courses. For example, they may include English, math, and science. They also include social studies and electives, like fine arts or technical education.<\/p>\r\n<p>A combination of course credits often measures graduation requirements. It also includes competencies achieved and standardized test scores. Furthermore, students with disabilities may have different academic standards. These standards better accommodate their learning needs.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Advanced Placement (AP) Classes and Curriculum<\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/apstudents.collegeboard.org\/course-index-page\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Advanced Placement Course Index Page - CollegeBoard.org\" rel=\"noopener\">Advanced Placement<\/a>&nbsp;(AP) classes are slightly more standardized. To earn college credit for their work, all AP students must pass the same AP test upon completing the course.<\/p>\r\n<p>AP course teachers receive a recommended syllabus to help students meet these goals. Teaching everything on the syllabus, however, is optional. Instead, they may choose to use or disregard the details of the recommended syllabus. This depends on what they think will best meet their student&#8217;s educational goals.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Special Education and School Curriculum<\/h2>\r\n<p>Special education is an indispensable element of education programs. Its primary purpose is to meet the needs of students with disabilities.<\/p>\r\n<p>Offering specialized instruction is one facet of special education. Special educators train to meet the needs of these students. They use distinctive learning strategies designed to help these students learn. For instance, a special educator might use visual aids for impaired students. Or, they may use physical cues or hands-on activities.<\/p>\r\n<p>Special education can also use tools, such as:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Physical tools like Braille for students with visual impairments<\/li>\r\n<li>Digital resources like speech-to-text software for those with dyslexia<\/li>\r\n<li>Assistive technologies such as special keyboards or noise-canceling headphones<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>These tools aren&#8217;t only about making things easier for students. They&#8217;re also about ensuring that students can fully engage with their education.<\/p>\r\n<p>These students are subject to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.understood.org\/en\/articles\/faqs-about-standards-based-ieps\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"IEP FAQ - Understood.org\" rel=\"noopener\">educational standards set for all students<\/a>. They must learn the same content and reach the same benchmarks as their peers. Yet, their unique needs may need more resources to achieve these standards. This might mean they get extra time on tests, modified assignments, or tutoring.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Professional Development and Resources<br>\r\n<\/h2>\r\n<p>Professional development is often provided for educators. This training helps ensure the successful implementation of the curriculum standards. It supports teachers in understanding and implementing the new standards and instructional materials.<\/p>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ed.gov\/laws-and-policy\/laws-preschool-grade-12-education\/every-student-succeeds-act-essa\" title=\"Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) - ED.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Every Student Succeeds Act<\/a>&nbsp;(ESSA) is a major federal law that governs U.S. education. It also helps by providing funding and guidelines for states and districts to use.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Getting Legal Help With School Curricula<\/h2>\r\n<p>Some parents or students may feel that the school curriculum fails to meet their needs. For example, a student might be failing despite interventions. A student in special education may not be receiving the necessary support they need.<\/p>\r\n<p>In such situations, seeking legal help might be your best option.&nbsp;<span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">Get help from an&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/education-law\/?fli=dcta\" title=\"Locate an Education Attorney Near You\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">education lawyer<\/a>&nbsp;today.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You generally need a lawyer&#8217;s help to sue a school\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    School rules and regulations can be contested in court\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Civil rights and discrimination issues are a large part of education law\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Education legal issues can span Title IX concerns, discrimination cases, civil rights offenses, and teachers&#8217; rights. An attorney can help prevent common mistakes with your case.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/education-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL15\" title=\"Search Top Lawyers Near You\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/student-rights.html\">\n                        Student Rights\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/school-safety.html\">\n                        School Safety\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/teachers-rights.html\">\n                        Teachers&#8217; Rights\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/education-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Education Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/administrative-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Administrative Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/state-local-municipal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State, Local, and Municipal Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/discrimination\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discrimination Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigration Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/government-agencies-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Government Agencies and Programs Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A curriculum determines what students learn. It ensures everyone has the opportunity for a quality education. Learn about curriculum standards at FindLaw.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":354821,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2737],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-354854","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-education"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/354854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=354854"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/354854\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/354821"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=354854"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=354854"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=354854"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=354854"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=354854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}