Requirements under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Federal Regulations, and the State Rules Governing Special Education Special Education: A service, not a place. Special Education Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction—Dr. Douglas H. Gill, Director of Special Education; Randy I. Dorn, State Superintendent of Public Instruction; Ken Kanikeberg, Chief of Staff; Gil Mendoza, Assistant Superintendent, Special Programs and Federal Read More
Category: What Questions Can I Ask
Questions to ask your child’s teacher, IEP team, and other professionals regarding your child’s educational goals and progress.
Bullying and Harassment of Students with Disabilities
Top 10 facts parents, educators, and students need to know Reprinted with permission from PACER The facts — Students with disabilities are much more likely to be bullied than their nondisabled peers. Bullying of children with disabilities is significant but there is very little research to document it. Only 10 U.S. studies have been conducted on Read More
Notifying the School About a Bullying Incident—Using a Template Letter
What to do if you want to let the school know about a bullying incident Reprinted with permission from PACER Parents should contact school staff in writing each time their child informs them that he or she has been bullied. PACER Center has created three letters that parents may use as a guide for writing a letter Read More
Surrogate Parents in Education
The role of the surrogate parent in education is to assure that a student in special education receives a free appropriate public education. The surrogate parent has the same rights and interests of the parent as defined through both state and federal regulations. There are regulations governing the identification, qualifications, and appointment of surrogate parents. Read More
What Are Your Rights and Responsibilities to an Appropriate Education for your Child with a Disability?
As the parent of a child who has disabilities, you have the right to: Expect a free, appropriate public education (F.A.P.E.) for your child. Refer your child for an evaluation for a 504 plan and/or for special education. Meet with the school district to decide whether or not to evaluate your child to determine if he Read More
What is a Citizen Complaint and when should it be used?
A citizen complaint is a written statement to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, (OSPI) alleging that a federal or state special education rule or law has been violated by: A school district, Another public agency serving special education students, An educational service district, or The state OSPI reviews the complaint and any Read More
What are Procedural Safeguards?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to provide the parents/guardians of a student who is eligible for or referred for special education with a notice containing a full explanation of the rights available to them. School districts must provide parents a copy of the Procedural Safeguards: At least once every school year. Read More
Steps To Take If Your Child Is Being Bullied At School
Reprinted with permission from PACER It is important that parents approach this situation in a calm manner and that parents keep records of facts in the situation. It is helpful if parents and school staff work together to resolve the issue. Parents can use the following steps to resolve the issue. Work with Your Child Thank Read More
My child has behavior problems in school. What should I do?
When the behavior of a student with an IEP gets in the way of his or her learning or that of others, the IEP team must develop behavior goals or a behavior plan. Behavior plans are not punitive. They are positive plans describing how the school will support positive behavior through instruction or changing the Read More