Legal Question in Education Law in Massachusetts

Re: Parental Authority

Many, many years ago I argued this to a school secretary. I was 18, my folks were away, and I signed my own permission slip for a"field trip." I won -- must have been a lawyer in the making.

That being said, a school certainly has the right to clarity in the situation. However, a legally adult student not under actual court-ordered guardianship has the right to determine who can see his/her records, act on his/her behalf, etc. Without researching the exact laws, I can say that you should look to room for compromise, or take it to the highest level in your district.

Re: Parental Authority

Once you reach eighteen, you are an adult under the law. You are capable of signing legal documents and entering into contracts. Thus you have the ability to sign related documents, including permission slips, absence notes, and educational plans.