Fathers rights when it comes to school

[roadawg672001]

I have an 8 year old daughter that can not even read at a preschool level. I have just learned of this when I was told that I might not be able to have her when it is my time to have her in the summer because of summer school. I have asked and asked her mother to keep me informed of her school progress as they live 3 1/2 hours away (at no choice of my own). I am wondering if there is anyone out there who has or has had the same problem. I am wanting to find out if there is a way that I could use this in court to get her to be able to move in with me so I can get the help she needs to be able to read at the level she should be. I am not wanting to try to take her away from her mother, I just want her to be able to go to school in my town until she is at her level. Her mother does not sit and  help her read she feels it is the schools responsibility to do this and I feel it is hers (with the exception of when I have her then it would be mine) I am only able to get them about 45 to 60 days a year due to the distance between us therefore is real hard for me to help on a daily basis.

[Kitty C.]

Even at the distance separating you, if you have joint legal, you have EVERY right to contact the school directly.  Most now have websites and e-mail addys. of the staff.  That's how I stay in contact with DS's and SS's teachers, very convenient.

At her age and reading level, I'd venture to say that there's a 'possibility' that she might have some type of learning disability.  This is also something that you can talk to the teacher about.  Also check your area and see if maybe she can go to some type of summer school/Sylvan Learning Center while she's with you.  Then while she's there, you can have her tested.  If the BM refuses, then it's blatant contempt, especially of the school approves of whatever you're doing for her.  Get copies of EVERYTHING in her school file...who knows, there just might be something in there that the school has tried to get the BM to authorize either testing, treatment, or additional tutoring and she's refused.  If that's the case, I'd say you'd have a EXCELLENT chance of going for custody.  You want the school on YOUR side.

See what you can find out and come back and let us know.  Then I'm sure we can help you further.  Good luck!