In reply to Karin.

Probably a “yes” to the question about an advocate. If you exclude “standard” questions asked via computer in JDC, which may or may not be used as evidence (I don’t know). If by advocate you mean “lawyer.” No other advocate has been made available to her. On at least one occasion my friend told Ms. Wilson to stop questioning K about matters related to her case.

As for the adequacy of the school…for some students it may be fine. For a short-term discipline issue, it may in fact be wonderful. But it is not a good fit for K.

And yes, they claim to be teaching science without labs. I understand DAEP schools may have their own curriculum…but this one is run as an adjunct of the main high school, and the kids receive credit as if they were in the larger school. They do not have separate teachers for each subject. If the person assigned as their “teacher” does not know a subject, the teacher may or may not ask another to step in and help. This is why K did so much of her math work at my friends’ home, back when it was allowed.

Just a couple of questions that are not clear in your description of events:

Did this child have an advocate present in the room every time she was questioned? A parent? A lawyer? Was she advised of her rights – even if juveniles may have fewer rights (go figure!) they exist.

How inadequate is this school? Are they really claiming to teach science with no labs?