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HomeEducation CodeDiv. 4Pt. 30Ch. 5§ 56504 Parent Access To School Records

§ 56504 Parent Access To School Records

Education Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 56504 Parent Access To School Records

Key Takeaways

  • •Parents can see and get copies of their child's school records within 5 days of asking.
  • •The school must explain the records if the parent asks and doesn't understand something.
  • •If a record has info about more than one child, parents can only see their own child's part.
  • •Schools can charge for copies, but if it's too expensive for the parent, the copies must be free.

Example

A mom wants to see her son's school records before a meeting about his special education plan.

The school must show her the records within 5 days and explain anything she doesn't understand. If the records have info about other kids, she can only see her son's part. If copying costs too much for her, the school must give her the copies for free.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 56504 Parent Access To School Records

The parent shall have the right and opportunity to examine all school records of his or her child and to receive copies pursuant to this section and to Section 49065 within five business days after the request is made by the parent, either orally or in writing. The public agency shall comply with a request for school records without unnecessary delay before any meeting regarding an individualized education program or any hearing pursuant to Section 300.121, 300.301, 300.304, or 300.507 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations or resolution session pursuant to Section 300.510 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations and in no case more than five business days after the request is made orally or in writing. The parent shall have the right to a response from the public agency to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records. If a school record includes information on more than one pupil, the parents of those pupils have the right to inspect and review only the information relating to their child or to be informed of that specific information. A public agency shall provide a parent, on request of the parent, a list of the types and locations of school records collected, maintained, or used by the agency. A public agency may charge no more than the actual cost of reproducing the records, but if this cost effectively prevents the parent from exercising the right to receive the copy or copies, the copy or copies shall be reproduced at no cost. (Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 179, Sec. 68. Effective January 1, 2009.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

educationresolutionschoolportstudenthearingregulationinformation

Related Statutes

  • § 41913 School Driver Training Contracts
  • § 51747 Independent Study Eligibility Rules
  • § 51775 Work Experience Program Review
  • § 56504.5 Special Education Dispute Resolution
  • § 56505 Special Education Hearing Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Education Code. Section 56504.
View Official Source