Flashcards — Disagreements & Your Rights

Extra services to make up for help your child should have gotten but didn't.

A written complaint to your state education agency saying the school broke a special education rule. It's free and usually must cover problems from the past year.

An Independent Educational Evaluation: testing by someone outside the school. If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you can ask for one at public expense.

A written explanation the school must give when it proposes or refuses a change to your child's evaluation, eligibility, services, or placement.

A meeting the school usually holds within 15 days after a due process complaint, to try to settle the dispute before the hearing.

A formal hearing before a neutral hearing officer, similar to court. It's usually filed within 2 years of the problem — your state may differ.

Usually with a calm, written request to meet and talk. Formal options are there if talking doesn't work.

During a formal dispute, your child generally stays in their current placement until it's resolved, unless you and the school agree otherwise.

Yes. Any person or organization can file a state complaint, including an advocate.

Yes. You can review your child's education records, and the school should respond without unnecessary delay — before any IEP meeting or hearing.

Emails create a dated record of what you asked and what the school said. Follow every important phone call with a short email.

The state usually has 60 days to investigate and decide. Extensions are allowed in some cases.

A free, voluntary meeting with a neutral person who helps you and the school reach agreement. Agreements are put in writing.

Yes, in writing. But it ends all special education services, and it doesn't undo what already happened.

No — it may ask why you disagree, but can't require an answer. It must either pay for the IEE or file for a hearing to defend its own evaluation.

'Can you send me that decision in writing, with the reasons, as Prior Written Notice?'