Documenting Your Child's Education

Spedvocate   Parent's Guide to Letter Writing   Wrightslaw on Documentation

Sample letters More Links to Letter Writing

 

Throughout a child’s school years, there is often a need to communicate in writing with school teachers, administrators, and others concerned with the child’s education. Letters provide both parents and the school staff with a record of requests, ideas, concerns, and suggestions. Topics include: discussing a problem; requesting an initial evaluation for special education services; requesting an independent evaluation (IEE); requesting a meeting to review the IEP; requesting a change of placement; requesting a child’s records; requesting prior written notice; requesting mediation; letting the school know that parents intend to place their child in a private school at public expense; requesting a due process hearing; filing a complaint with the state; writing a follow-up letter; and giving positive feedback. The above links provide valuable information on the importance of documenting all decisions made about your child's education through letter writing, and sample letters designed to achieve this task.