Process for Addressing Student/Parent Concern
Process for Addressing Student/Parent Concerns
American United School encourages students and parents to begin with the person closest to a concern whenever possible. This supports timely resolution, clear communication, and appropriate follow-up. Families who are unsure where to begin or whom to contact may reach out to the Parent Liaison, Ms. Fatma Ahmad (f.ahmad@aus.edu.kw) for guidance in identifying the appropriate person or pathway.
Depending on the nature of the concern, families should follow one of the three pathways below.
1. Classroom, Academic, Behavior, Attendance Concerns or General School Issues
For concerns related to a specific class or teacher, parents should begin with the teacher. If the concern is not resolved or requires administrative intervention, it may be elevated through the appropriate administrative pathway.
Examples: Grades, assignments, assessments, classroom expectations, teacher/student concerns, elementary class placement, student behavior, discipline, bullying or harassment, attendance, and tardiness.
Communication Pathway:
Teacher → Assistant Principal → Principal → Head of School
Routine classroom concerns should generally be addressed by the teacher first. More serious or ongoing concerns may require immediate administrative involvement.
2. Curriculum, Academic Planning, and Learning Pathways
Questions related to a student's overall academic program or learning pathway should be directed to the staff member with the appropriate expertise.
Examples: Course selection, graduation planning, academic support, acceleration, curriculum, and learning pathways.
Communication Pathway:
Teacher, if applicable → Counselor → Curriculum & Instruction Specialist → Principal → Head of School
Teacher, if applicable → Counselor → Curriculum & Instruction Specialist → Principal → Head of School
Depending on the concern, families may be directed to the appropriate counselor, administrator, or curriculum specialist rather than moving through every step in the pathway.
3. Ongoing Student Support Needs
When a student demonstrates ongoing academic, behavioral, attendance, or social-emotional needs, additional support from the Student Support Services Department may be required. Within Student Support Services, the specialized team will address student needs or parent concerns.
Support Pathway:
Concerns regarding ongoing low academic performance/achievement may be addressed by the Student Success Team (SST) if additional support is needed. The SST is a supportive, problem-solving team, not a disciplinary process. Its purpose is to identify student needs, coordinate interventions and supports, and monitor progress.
Teachers, administrators or counselors may refer a student to receive additional academic, social emotional or behavioral support by initiating an SST meeting. Parents are an important part of the SST process and should attend scheduled meetings. Additional team members of the SST can include a counselor, administrators, teachers, specialists, and other staff who can support the student's needs
Resolving Concerns:
Families do not need to contact every person listed in a pathway. The goal is to begin at the appropriate level and involve additional staff when needed.
The Head of School has final decision-making authority when a concern requires final administrative review.
Important
Concerns involving student safety, threats, abuse, harassment, or other urgent matters should be reported immediately to a school administrator and do not need to follow the normal chain of communication.