For IEP Meetings, Emails, and Any School Communication YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS UNDER IDEA (Quick + Clear) 1. The Right to Request Evaluations (At Any Time) You can request an initial evaluation or re-evaluation at any point in the school year. The school must respond in writing and follow timelines. Say this: “Under IDEA, I am formally requesting a comprehensive evaluation. Please provide Prior Written Notice documenting acceptance or refusal.” 2. The Right to Prior Written Notice (PWN) Schools must give you written notice before they refuse or agree to anything related to identification, placement, or services. Say this: “I am requesting a detailed Prior Written Notice explaining the school’s decision, data used, options considered, and reasons for acceptance or refusal.” 3. The Right to Receive Data You must receive all data: progress monitoring, behavior logs, assessments, discipline records, service minutes, etc. Say this: “Please provide all progress data, service logs, and classroom data used to make decisions about my child.” 4. The Right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) If you disagree with the school’s evaluation, you may request an IEE at the school’s expense. Say this: “I disagree with the school’s evaluation and am requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation at public expense.” 5. The Right to Call an IEP Meeting Anytime You do NOT have to wait for the annual review. Say this: “I am requesting an IEP meeting within 10 school days to address my concerns and adjust supports.” 6. The Right to Meaningful Participation You are an equal member of the IEP team. Your input is required, not optional. Say this: “I would like my parent concerns added verbatim to the IEP as part of the Present Levels section.” 7. The Right to Appropriate Services (FAPE) Your child is entitled to services based on need, not funding, convenience, or availability. Say this: “My child’s needs drive the services. Please explain how this decision aligns with providing FAPE.”

Subject: Suspension Exceeds 10 Days — Action Required Hello, My child has been suspended for more than 10 days, which is considered a “change of placement” under IDEA §300.536.Under §300.530(b), services must continue, and an MDR must occur. Please confirm services and schedule the meeting. Thank you, [Your Name]

Pro Tip for Your Request LetterPhrase it like this: “I am requesting a comprehensive evaluation in all areas of suspected disability, including but not limited to: cognitive, academic achievement, speech and language, occupational therapy, behavioral/social-emotional, functional behavior, adaptive skills, and executive functioning.” That wording keeps the school from limiting the scope and ensures they address the “whole child.”

Subject: Formal Request for Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) Hello, I am writing to formally request a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) for my child under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I am requesting this evaluation because my child is displaying behaviors that are impacting their learning, classroom participation, safety, and/or access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Under IDEA §300.304–305, parents have the right to request an evaluation in any area of suspected disability, including behavior and social-emotional functioning. Additionally, when a child’s behavior interferes with their learning or the learning of others, the IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions and supports (§300.324(a)(2)(i)). An FBA is the appropriate first step. I am requesting: 1. A comprehensive FBA completed by a qualified professional 2. Parent participation in interviews and data collection 3. A meeting to review the results and develop or revise a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) as needed Please provide written confirmation that you have received this request and inform me of the timeline for initiating and completing the evaluation. Thank you,[ Your Name][Your Phone Number][Your Email]

Subject: Formal Request for Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) Hello, I am writing to formally request a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) for my child under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I am requesting this evaluation because my child is displaying behaviors that are impacting their learning, classroom participation, safety, and/or access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Under IDEA §300.304–305, parents have the right to request an evaluation in any area of suspected disability, including behavior and social-emotional functioning. Additionally, when a child’s behavior interferes with their learning or the learning of others, the IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions and supports (§300.324(a)(2)(i)). An FBA is the appropriate first step. I am requesting: 1. A comprehensive FBA completed by a qualified professional 2. Parent participation in interviews and data collection 3. A meeting to review the results and develop or revise a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) as needed Please provide written confirmation that you have received this request and inform me of the timeline for initiating and completing the evaluation. Thank you, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email]