TeachersFirst - E-READY Special Education Parent Resources

Introduction

Discuss a problem.

Request an initial evaluation for special education services.

Request a meeting to review the IEP.

Request a change of placement.

Request records.

Request an independent evaluation.

Request a due process hearing.

Write a follow-up letter.

Give positive feedback.

Sample Letter 1:
This is a general letter format for discussing a problem.

Today's Date (include month, day, and year)

Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Day time telephone number

Full Name of Person to whom you're writing
Title
Name of School/Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear (name of person, use title and last name),

In this paragraph explain who you are, give the full name of your child and his or her current class placement, and, VERY BRIEFLY, explain the reason you are writing.

In this paragraph explain what you would like to have happen or what you would like to see changed. You may BRIEFLY say what you would not like, but spend most of this paragraph saying what you want.

Say what type of response you want. For instance, do you need to meet with anyone, do you want a return letter, or a phone call?

Finally, give your daytime telephone number and let them know that you expect to hear from them soon (or give a date, "by the 15th").

Sincerely yours,

Your full name

Adapted from information published by the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities

E-Ready is funded by a grant from the NEC Foundation of America