Victims’ Rights Under No Child Left Behind

As you are aware, the new federal education law, No Child Left Behind (NCLB), impacts nearly all aspects of public education. One provision of the law is called the Unsafe Schools Choice Option. Under this portion of the law, if a school is declared by the state to be “persistently dangerous,” parents of students in that school would have the right to request a transfer.

No school in Alaska has been designated as dangerous.

Additionally, NCLB states that students who become victims of a violent crime while on school grounds have the right to request a transfer to one of two schools indicated by the district. The district, however, is not required to provide transportation. If such an incident occurs, and the school’s investigation shows that a student is a victim of a violent crime as defined by the law, parents will receive notification and information regarding the transfer application process. The Anchorage School District is committed to providing safe learning environments for all of its students. We make every effort through our school policies, procedures, and activities to teach and to encourage students to make choices that ensure their safety and the safety of others. If you have questions about this provision of the new law, please contact your school principal.

If you have received a letter from the school indicating that your child has been a victim and is eligible for transfer under the law and you choose to transfer your child, please fill out the application and return it to the office of your child’s current school. Download the application here.