Know Your Rights. Navigate the System. Advocate with Confidence.
SERE (Student Education Rights Exchange) provides information, resources, and practical guidance to help families navigate education laws and policies and make informed decisions.
Education Rights, Explained
From education rights and school discipline to juvenile justice and child labor, the Break the Pipeline podcast, hosted by attorneys Sauda Johnson-McNeal and Naomi Barrera, examines real-world issues through conversations that explore different perspectives, the law, and the policies that shape children's lives.
Trending Episodes
Ep. 4
Brown v. Board to the Department of Education Letter: Equality or Erasure?
Ep. 5
Are Tech Companies Harming Kids… and Who's Actually Responsible?
Ep. 6
ICE in Schools: What Are Students' Rights? | Protect or Comply?
Ep. 7
Hungry Classrooms: SNAP, the Beautiful Bill and the Battle Over Feeding America's Kids
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Plain-language explanations of your rights, school responsibilities, and what you can do.
New to Education Rights? Start Here.
Whether your child just received an IEP, you're facing a school dispute, or you simply want to understand your rights — we’ve built this website just for you.
Research The Issue
Learn the foundational rights every parent and student holds under federal and California law.
Review The Information
Navigate evaluations, IEPs, 504 plans, and school meetings with confidence.
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Free Resources for Families COMING SOON
IEP Meeting Checklist
A step-by-step checklist to help you prepare for, participate in, and follow up after IEP meetings.
Download FreeParent Rights Handbook
A comprehensive guide to your rights under IDEA, Section 504, and California Education Code.
Download Free504 Plan Guide
Everything you need to know about requesting, developing, and monitoring a 504 Plan.
Download FreeSpecial Education Glossary
Plain-language definitions of 100+ special education terms, acronyms, and legal concepts.
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About SERE
Student Education Rights Exchange (SERE) is a nonprofit organization founded by Sauda Johnson-McNeal, founder of The Law Offices of Sauda Johnson, PC, an education law attorney. SERE provides free educational resources, research, and guidance on education law and student rights for children and youth ages 2 through 22 across public, charter, private, and religious school settings. We believe every family deserves access to accurate, understandable information about children's education rights and schools' responsibilities, empowering them to make informed decisions and confidently navigate the education system.
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What are my rights if the school refuses to evaluate my child for special education?
You have the right to request a special education evaluation in writing at any time. In California, the school must respond within 15 days and either agree to evaluate or provide written notice explaining why they're declining. If they decline, you can request mediation or file a complaint with the California Department of Education.
— SERE Team
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Important: Educational information only — not legal advice. For legal matters, consult a qualified attorney. SERE's founder has 22+ years of education law experience.
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SERE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your donation funds free resources, guides, and support for families who need it most.
SERE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.