Special Education Resources
Navigating Special Education can often feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. This resource page can help to provide you with clear, accessible resources to help guide you through the complex world of special education. Whether you're trying to understand your rights, advocate for your child by emailing teachers, or find the right supports, this page is here to support you every step of the way.
Sample Emails
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Copy and paste this email to:
Campus Principal
Assistant Principal
Special Education Director
Evaluator of your child ( Diagnostician)
Student’s Teacher(s)
Subject: Request for Independent Educational Evaluation
Dear [Special Education Director],
I am requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) for my child at public expense, as I disagree with the results of the recent evaluation conducted by the school.
Please send information about how the district handles IEE requests.
Sincerely,
[Parent Name]
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Copy and paste this email to:
Campus Principal
Assistant Principal
Campus Counselor
Student’s Teacher(s)
Subject: Request for Educational Records for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Counselor/Case Manager/Teacher],
I am requesting a complete copy of my child [Child’s Full Name]’s educational records, including all special education documents such as evaluations, IEPs, service logs, meeting notes, and communication logs.Federal law guarantees parents the right to review and receive copies of these records in a timely manner. Please confirm when and how I will receive them.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
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Copy and paste this email to:
Campus Principal
Assistant Principal
Campus Counselor
Student’s Teacher(s)
Case Manager
Subject: Request for Additional Support for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Teacher / Case Manager],
I’ve noticed [specific challenge or concern] with [Child’s Name], and I’d like to request a conversation about adding [specific support/accommodation] to their IEP or classroom support plan.
I believe this could help improve [his/her/their] success at school. Please let me know when we could meet to discuss this.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Copy and paste this email to:
Campus Principal
Assistant Principal
Campus Counselor
Student’s Teacher(s)
Case Manager
Educational Diagnostician
Subject: Request for Prior Written Notice
Dear [Principal/Educational diagnostician Name],
I am writing to formally request a Prior Written Notice (PWN) as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in connection with [briefly describe the specific decision or action for example, “the denial of additional speech therapy services” or “the proposed change in my child’s placement”].
Please include the following in the Prior Written Notice as required by federal law:
A description of the action proposed or refused by the district.
An explanation of why the district proposes or refuses to take the action.
A description of any evaluations, assessments, or reports used as a basis for the decision.
A statement that I have protections under IDEA’s procedural safeguards.
Sources for me to contact to understand these safeguards.
A description of other options the district considered and why they were rejected.
A description of any other factors relevant to the district’s decision.
I appreciate your prompt response to this request and look forward to receiving the written notice within a reasonable time frame, as outlined by IDEA regulations.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
SPECIAL EDUCATION ACRONYMS
SPED – Special Education
Programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
IEP – Individualized Education Program
A plan that outlines special education services and goals for a student with a disability.
FIE / FIIE – *Full Individual Evaluation / Full Individual and Initial Evaluation
A detailed assessment to determine if a child qualifies for special education.
ARD – Admission, Review, and Dismissal
A committee that includes school staff and parents, responsible for developing, reviewing, and revising a student's IEP and determining eligibility for special education services.
LRE – Least Restrictive Environment
Students with disabilities should be educated with peers without disabilities as much as possible.
FAPE – Free Appropriate Public Education
Every student with a disability is entitled to a free and individualized education.
BIP – Behavior Intervention Plan
A strategy-based plan to support students with behavioral needs.
FBA – Functional Behavioral Assessment
An evaluation used to identify the purpose of a student’s behavior.
ESY – Extended School Year
Services provided outside of the regular school year to maintain progress.
LSSP – Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
A mental health professional in Texas schools who conducts evaluations and provides support.
OT – Occupational Therapy
Helps students with fine motor, self-care, and sensory integration needs.
PT – Physical Therapy
Assists students with mobility, balance, and large motor skills.
AT – Assistive Technology
Tools or devices that help students with disabilities access learning.
TEA – Texas Education Agency
The state agency that oversees public education and special education programs in Texas.
IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Federal law ensuring services for students with disabilities.
504 Plan – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Provides accommodations for students with disabilities not served under an IEP.
PLAAFP – Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance
A statement describing the student’s current skills and challenges in the IEP.
#PARENTSDOCARE
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#PARENTSDOCARE 〰️
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Copy and paste this email to:
Campus Principal
Assistant Principal
Campus Diagnostician
Student’s Teacher(s)
Subject:Formal Request for Special Education Evaluation
Dear [Teacher’s name],
I am writing to formally request a full individual and initial evaluation (FIIE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for my child, [Child’s Full Name], who is currently enrolled in [Grade Level] at [School Name]. I have concerns that my child may have a disability and requires special education services.
Under Texas law, the school district is required to respond to this request within 15 school days. If the district agrees to evaluate, I understand that I will receive a Prior Written Notice and a Consent for Evaluation form. Once consent is given, the evaluation must be completed within 45 school days.
Please confirm receipt of this email and let me know the next steps. I am available to discuss my concerns and provide any additional information needed.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
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Copy and paste this email to:
Campus Principal
Assistant Principal
Campus Counselor
Student’s Teacher(s)
Subject: Request for Information on Implementation of [IEP/504 Plan] for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Teacher's Name],
I am writing to follow up on my child [Child’s Full Name]’s current [IEP/504 Plan] at [School Name]. I would like to confirm whether the services and accommodations outlined in their plan are being implemented consistently and as intended.
Please let me know if all supports are in place and if there are any concerns or challenges with the implementation. If possible, I would also appreciate any updates on [his/her/their] progress and how the supports are being monitored.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information] -
Copy and paste this email to:
Campus Principal
Assistant Principal
Campus Counselor
Student’s Teacher(s)
Case Manager
Subject: Request for Progress Update on IEP Goals for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Teacher/Case Manager],
I’m writing to request an update on my child’s progress toward the goals outlined in [his/her] IEP. Could you please provide any recent data, observations, or reports related to [his/her] performance and growth?
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
[Parent Name]
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Copy and paste this email to:
Campus Principal
Assistant Principal
Campus Counselor
Student’s Teacher(s)
Case Manager
Subject: Concern Regarding Implementation of [IEP/504 Plan] for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Teacher/Case Manager],
I have concerns that aspects of my child’s [IEP/504 Plan] may not be consistently implemented. Could we please schedule a time to discuss what supports are currently in place and ensure full compliance with the plan?
Sincerely,
[Parent Name]
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Copy and paste this email to:
Campus Principal
Assistant Principal
Campus Counselor
Student’s Teacher(s)
Subject: Formal Request for Functional Behavioral Assessment for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Teacher/Counselor],
I am writing to formally request a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) for my child, [Child’s Full Name], who is currently in [Grade] at [School Name]. I have concerns that [his/her/their] behavior is interfering with [his/her/their] ability to learn and may require additional behavioral supports.
As a parent, I understand that I have the right to request an FBA when behavior may be impacting a child’s education. I am requesting that the district conduct an FBA to better understand the function of the behavior and to develop appropriate behavioral interventions or supports if needed.
Please confirm receipt of this request and provide information about next steps, including any consent forms or timelines.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Info]