THE IMPACT OF SCHOOL POLICIES ON NONCUSTODIAL PARENTS

The present study surveyed the policies of school districts of a midwe stern state to determine their stated or implied practices concerning the noncustodial parent. Interview questions asked seventy nine school districts to reveal their policies regarding involving noncustodial p arents in the educational program of their children, especially with t hose children experiencing academic problems. Results suggest that in almost one half of the school districts surveyed, noncustodial parents are excluded from the educational process. A large percentage of scho ol districts did not collect identifying information concerning noncus todial parents and the majority implemented their practices regarding noncustodial parents without written policy guidelines. Suggestions ar e offered to assist school districts in developing more innovative pra ctices enabling them to take a leadership role in serving nontradition al families.