Appeals Process for Secondary Schools
In almost any high school system in the United States, there are multiple appeals systems. In a place such as New York City -- which requires applications to high schools -- students have the right to appeal their high school placement. Students in any city or county have the right to appeal disciplinary actions taken against them. The same is true of a decision made regarding a case of discrimination of any kind.
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Appealing an NYC High School Match
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In New York City, eighth grade students must apply to high schools in order to attend; students are not automatically guaranteed a place in a neighborhood high school. Students must rank the schools they choose in terms of their order of preference and the city will match them with a school. If they do not get matched, however, there is an appeals process. To appeal your match, request an appeals form from your guidance counselor, fill it out with your reason for appeal, and send it to the Office of Student Enrollment, Planning and Operations.
Discrimination Appeals
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Students in most school systems in the U.S. have the right to appeal decisions made by the school's faculty or staff when possible discrimination has occurred. If a student feels that the actions taken to rectify the situation are insufficient or unfair, they may air their complaints. In Fairfax County, Virginia, for example, students may request a meeting with the principal. The principal will then submit a final decision to the Office of Equity and Compliance. If the student still feels that the decision is unfair, then he or she may file a complaint with the superintendent two days following the decision. The superintendent's decision on the matter, however, is final.
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Disciplinary Appeals
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In most school districts, students also have the right to appeal disciplinary actions taken against them. Students in New York City schools, for example, must submit appeals to the Chief Executive Officer in the Office of School and Youth Development. The appeal must be submitted no more than 10 days after the penalty is issued by the school's principal. In Fairfax County, when a student is suspended, the student or the parents may submit an appeal, in writing, to the Hearings Office. At the hearing, the appeal officer will take up the appeal.
Appealing Grades
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In some school systems, students may appeal their grades. Often, this just requires approaching a teacher and presenting your case for a mistaken grade. However, some schools have specific appeals processes for grades. At Brooklyn Technical High School, for example, students may ask for a grade appeal form from the school principal. The student must then speak with the teacher. If that does not resolve the problem, then the student must speak with the Assistant Principal, providing all materials and evidence for the grade change.
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