Don't sign documents at a meeting. Ask for a copy of all paperwork, take it home and think about it. Ask for answers to all of your questions before signing anything.

Request that special education testing to be done for any conceivable special need (e.g. ADHD, depression, learning disabilities, emotional impairments, etc.)

Schedule meetings with teachers, principals, superintendents, special education directors, at anytime to discuss anything that concerns you.

Try to bring a relative, friend, advocate, or attorney to meetings (official or not) with the school for additional support.

Go to school board hearings. Make a point to get to know school board members, schedule meetings with one or more school board members to discuss concerns, or run for school board yourself. Make your voice heard.

Speak with your child's teachers about their progress periodically. Establish working relationships with teachers.

Check your child's grades and test scores. If s/he is having problems, ask to see samples of homework and tests.

Ask for help if your child is behind in schoolwork.

Talk to other families with similar concerns, form a collaborative and talk to the school as a group about your concerns.

Offer to work on a plan to help parents and teachers work together to help your children do better in school.