Resources to help you stay informed
Parent Toolkit
Our Parent Toolkit is your go-to resource for navigating California's public education system with clarity and confidence. Here you'll find plain-language guides to understanding your child's test scores, printable forms and templates for communicating with schools and districts, an interactive checklist of questions to bring to your next parent-teacher or board meeting, and a straightforward breakdown of your legal rights as a California parent.
We've also included a community action section to help you connect with other families and get involved at the local level — plus a glossary of the education terms and acronyms you're most likely to encounter along the way. Whether you're just getting started or looking to go deeper, everything here is designed to make it easier to engage, ask questions, and hold your local schools accountable.
Brochures & Flyers
Plain-language guides to help you understand what your child's results mean and how to navigate the school system with confidence.
resource
OPT-OUT Flyer
A curated reference of books that have raised concerns among California parents, with context and guidance.
available
Type
Name
Articles, updated and commentary from Informed Parents of California on education policy and school performance.
available
Guides & References
Plain-language guides to help you understand what your child's results mean and how to navigate the school system with confidence.
guide
A step-by-step breakdown of what the score levels mean and how to compare your child's results to state averages.
available
resource
A curated reference of books that have raised concerns among California parents, with context and guidance.
available
Type
Name
Articles, updated and commentary from Informed Parents of California on education policy and school performance.
available
guide
What to Say at a School Board Meeting
How to sign up for pubic comment, what to say, and how to make. your voice heard effectively.
coming soon
guide
How to Request Your Child's School Records
Your legal right to access records, what you can request, and how to submit a formal request to your district.
coming soon
Know Your Rights
California law gives parents significant rights in their child's education. Here's a plain-language summary of what you're entitled to — and how to exercise those rights.
California parents have the right to review all instructional materials used in their child's classroom, including textbooks, supplementary reading, and digital content. To exercise this right, submit a written request to the school principal. The district is required to make materials available for inspection within a reasonable timeframe.
Parents may opt their child out of state standardized assessments including CAASPP. You do not need to provide a reason. Submit a written opt-out request to your school before the testing window opens. Visit www.optoutca.org for more details and a sample opt-out letter.
Under FERPA (federal) and California Education Code, parents have the right to inspect and review their child's education records, including grades, test scores, disciplinary records, and health records. Schools must provide access within 5 business days of a written request. You also have the right to request corrections to inaccurate records.
If you believe your child may have a learning disability or need special education services, you have the right to request a free evaluation from the school district. Submit your request in writing. The district has 15 calendar days to respond and 60 days to complete the evaluation. You must provide written consent before any evaluation begins.
All California school board meetings are public, and members of the community — including parents — have the right to address the board during the public comment period. Typically you sign up before the meeting begins and are given 2–3 minutes. Boards are not required to respond during the meeting but must address repeated concerns over time.
If you believe a school or district has violated state or federal education law, you may file a Uniform Complaint with the district. If unsatisfied with the district's resolution, you may appeal to the California Department of Education. Complaints must generally be filed within one year of the alleged violation.
- Submit a written complaint to the district's compliance officer
- The district has 60 calendar days to investigate and respond
- You may appeal the decision to the CDE within 15 days
Forms & Downloads
Printable and downloadable templates to help you document concerns, prepare for meetings, and communicate formally with your school or district.
form
Document and report an incident at your child’s school with this structured report form.
template
A fill-in-template for submitting a written complaint to a school district administrator or board.
checklist
How to sign up for pubic comment, what to say, and how to make. your voice heard effectively.
template
Your legal right to access records, what you can request, and how to submit a formal request to your district.
Education Glossary
Education is full of acronyms and jargon. Here's a plain-language guide to the terms you're most likely to encounter.
ASSESSMENT
CAASPP
California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress. The state's annual standardized testing system covering ELA and Math for grades 3–8 and 11.
ASSESSMENT
ELA
English Language Arts. Covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills measured across grade levels.
SPECIAL ED
IEP
Individualized Education Program. A legally binding document outlining special education services and goals for eligible students with disabilities.
FUNDING
LCAP
Local Control and Accountability Plan. A three-year district plan describing goals, actions, and spending to improve student outcomes. Required by California law.
Funding
Title I
Federal funding provided to schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families to help close achievement gaps.
RIGHTS
FERPA
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records and gives parents the right to access them.
SPECIAL ED
504 Plan
A plan providing accommodations for students with disabilities who don't qualify for special education but need support to access general education.
ADMINISTRATION
COE
County Office of Education. The regional agency that supports school districts within a county, provides oversight, and administers certain programs.
ADMINISTRATION
LEA
Local Educational Agency. A school district or other public agency that provides public elementary or secondary education under applicable state law.
RIGHTS
CPRA
California Public Records Act. The law giving the public the right to access records held by state and local agencies, including school districts.
ASSESSMENT
Smarter Balanced
The organization that developed the ELA and Math assessments used in CAASPP. Tests are adaptive, meaning difficulty adjusts based on student responses.
ASSESSMENT
ELPAC
English Language Proficiency Assessments for California. Tests given to students whose primary language is not English to measure their English proficiency.
accountability
SARC
School Accountability Report Card. An annual report every California public school must publish with data on academics, staffing, finances, and safety.
accountability
CA Dashboard
The California School Dashboard is a state tool showing how schools and districts are performing across multiple indicators including academics and graduation rates.
What Your Donation Makes Possible
Your support empowers California families to reclaim transparency,
parental rights, and academic integrity in public schools.
Informed Parents, Informed Parents California, and OPT-OUT CA are dba’s of Informed Parents Silicon Valley, Inc., a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 87-2694564. Contributions are tax-deductible for income, gift, and estate taxes. Our IRS determination letter can be requested by emailing us at donations@ip-sv.org. Copyright 2026. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
Your Child’s Exemptions
The OPT-OUT Notice delivery system allows you to send a fully completed and signed OPT-OUT Notice directly to your child’s school and district. By utilizing this system, you ensure that your preferences regarding your child’s education are formally communicated and respected.
This notice clearly states that your child will be exempt from the following school instruction, programs, and activities for the current school year.
Landmark Case:
Mahmoud v. Taylor
Gender Identity & LGBTQ+ Curriculum
The landmark Mahmoud v. Taylor Supreme Court decision allows parents to opt their children out of instruction that is against their deeply held religious beliefs which may include:
- Gender identity and gender studies curriculum
- Instruction that LGBTQ+ is “normative” behavior
- “Inclusive” books and curricula when content conflicts with a parent’s deeply held beliefs
- Pride Month activities with instructional content
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51240
California Education
Code 51240
Critical Race Theory & DEI Programming
Parents can opt their children out of instruction and programming related to Critical Race Theory frameworks and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives when these conflict with their religious beliefs or family values.
- Critical Race Theory (CRT) frameworks and concepts
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training programs and activities
- Curriculum emphasizing systemic racism as core to American identity
- Activities requiring students to acknowledge personal privilege based on race
- Instruction presenting America as fundamentally or irredeemably racist
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51240
California Education
Code 51513
Assessments & Testing
Parents can opt their children out of psychological assessments without explicit parental consent, student “climate” surveys that probe political or social beliefs, and evaluations of family attitudes.
If you have questions about the OPT-OUT Notice or face resistance from your child’s school, contact the OPT-OUT Hotline at (669) 307-1953 for assistance. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and ensure your preferences are acknowledged.
Staying informed and advocating for your family’s values is essential in shaping a supportive learning environment.
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51513
California Education
Code 51513
Anonymous Surveys & Health Questionnaires
Participating in anonymous, voluntary, and confidential surveys related to pupil health behaviors is crucial for understanding student’s well-being.
However, as a parent in California, you can OPT-OUT of these surveys and questionnaires to protect your child from exposure to sensitive topics that may not align with your family values. This includes mental health screenings without parental notification and questionnaires about family relationships or home life.
Your choices are important in shaping a supportive learning environment for your child!
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51513
California Education
Code 51513
Personal Belief Questionnaires
The administration of any survey, questionnaire, examination, or evaluation containing any questions relative to your child, or your personal beliefs regarding practices in sex, family life, morality, or religion.
Click here to see an example of a Survey administered to 3rd grade students as part of a health and wellness program.
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51513
California Education
Code 51938
Comprehensive Sexual Health Education
Attending or participating in any class, instruction or activity related to comprehensive sexual education and HIV / AIDS prevention with the exception of state-mandated Comprehensive Sexuality Education in fifth grade, seventh grade and one semester in high school. Comprehensive Sexuality Education curricula is not required in any other grade and a student may be opted-out.
Parents retain OPT-OUT rights even for mandated instruction if the content conflicts with religious beliefs following the Mahmoud v. Taylor decision.
Click here to see an excerpt from Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
Legal Authority: Mahmoud v. Taylor (2025), California Education Code 51938
Frequently Asked Questions
California requires students to receive certain core instruction. However, even within mandated subjects like Comprehensive Sexuality Education in 7th grade and high school, parents can request alternative materials or accommodations if the standard curriculum conflicts with religious beliefs following the Mahmoud v. Taylor decision.