Chapter 2
How to Obtain & Review Lesson Plans
Overview:
Lesson plans are more detailed than curriculums and outline daily teaching methods, but access rights vary by state—some view them as public records, while others consider them teacher property. While curriculum access is guaranteed nationwide, access to lesson plans depends on your state’s laws. Parents' Bill of Rights laws in some states (like Texas and Florida) enhance access, while other states shield lesson plans as teacher work product.
Legal Framework:
Since there is no federal law giving parents access, we need to look at state laws (sunshine laws as well as parental bill of rights laws). For example:
Texas (Educ. Code §26.006): gives broad statutory right to inspect all teaching materials, including lesson plans.
Florida (§1006.28, §1014.05): explicit parental rights and strong public records law; lesson plans accessible if maintained by the district.
Arizona: Parents’ Bill of Rights laws create strong transparency obligations.
North Carolina: Parents’ Bill of Rights laws create strong transparency obligations.
Connecticut: lesson plans not considered public unless held by the district.
Michigan (Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 380.1137, 380.1294): explicit right to review curriculum and lesson plans; districts must have involvement plans.
What to ask for (at the district level):
“Instructional materials” used in your child’s classroom, including teacher lesson plans the extent they are maintained by the district.
Supplemental materials, handouts, slides, and teaching aids.
Request redacted copies if materials include student-identifiable information (to comply with FERPA).
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Check local policy. See if your district posts curriculum/lesson plans online (some do under transparency laws).
Submit a written request. Reference FERPA, PPRA, and your state’s Parents’ Bill of Rights or FOIL/FOIA statute.
Clarify the scope of your request. Ask specifically for lesson plans as maintained by the district (your request can be broader in Texas, Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina). See above.
Indicate willingness to inspect materials in person, online, or via electronic copies.
Under FOIL and similar laws, the district must respond within a set period (e.g., 5 business days in NY to acknowledge, with a timeframe for production).
What to look for:
Do lesson plans match the approved curriculum and state standards?
Are there themes or sensitive topics (politics, sexuality, religion) that may require advance notice to parents or consent under PPRA or state law?
Do the assignments or activities go beyond curriculum standards?
Are there potential biases or gaps?
What to do if your request is denied:
Ask for written justification; districts must cite the legal exemption they are relying on.
Narrow your request. Ask for unit outlines, pacing guides, or finalized instructional materials instead of teacher notes.
Appeal. In New York, FOIL provides an administrative appeal process to the state DOE’s FOIL Appeals Officer. In other states, you may appeal to the school board, state education department, or file an appeal under the public records law.
If denial violates state parental rights laws (e.g., Texas, Florida), you may be able to file a complaint with the state education department or take legal action.
