Perspective: The topic of parental rights is an important and legal issue. As a school counselor, the education of a student is more effective when parents are embowered, informed, and working together with the school. Parents, and the staff in school work together to help every student's academic success. This work as well in the counseling field which helps students socially, and emotionally as well.

Audience: The audience for this presentation is school counselors, and other school staff.

State: The state agency responsible for governing this topic is the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Texas governs it though the Texas Education Code (Texas Education Agency, 2021). Texas Education Codes 33 section 33.006 (1995) and 26 section 26.003 (1995)  outlines the counselor’s responsibility to the parents including consent and access to the written records of school counselors.

Under Section 3 Article 1 of the Texas constitution, all parents have equal rights and equal protection under the law (Tex. Const. Art. I § 3). This means that all parents must be treated equally with respect to their children and making sure they are informed about their child’s education.

• Schools must provide information and reports in a format and language parents can understand.

• The law requires schools to involve parents in the development and implementation of school programs.

Texas Education Codes 33 section 33.006 (1995) and 26 section 26.003 (1995). EDUCATION CODE CHAPTER 33. SERVICE PROGRAMS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (texas.gov) Texas Education Code Section 26.003 – Rights Concerning Academic Programs (public.law)

• administrative laws that outline the counselor’s responsibility to the parents

• explains the need to have consent and access to the written records of school counselors.

https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/530/57/

• parental rights are confirmed under the due process clause of the 14th amendment

• The state may not give custody or care rights to a third party.

• It is presumed that parents will act in the best interest of the child

• FERPA gives the parents rights to access their child's educational records.

• It requires the schools to obtain consent from parents to disclose any personally identifiable information.

• The policy requires that employees respect the rights of parents

• These policies are in the employee handbook and are required to continue with employment for Conroe ISD

This ethical standard highlights the importance of respecting the rights of parents while emphasizing that counselors work with parents being mindful of each other's role in the life of the child.

My feeling towards these connections is that it has made sure that I understand the legal framework related to my field. It has also helped me to recognize and adhere to the ethical standards. It has also made sure that I am more prepared and professional in the role of a school counselor.

Conroe Independent School District. (2023) Employee Handbook. https://www.conroeisd.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Employee-Handbook-Digital.pdf

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1974). https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-2010-title20-section1232g&num=0&edition=2010 

Every Student Succeeds Act, 20 U.S.C. § 6301 (2015).

Texas Const. Art 1 § 3.

Texas Education Code, Chapter 26 Parental Rights and Responsibilities. § 26.003. (1995) https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.26.htm

Texas Education Code, Chapter 33 School counselor duties and responsibilities. § 33.006. (1995) https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.33.htm#33.006

Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000)

U.S. Const. Amend 14