Requesting School Files

[d]

How do I word a 2 sentence letter to the sp ed department requesting a copy of dd's files - I want full evaluations, all testing info., etc.

[Mayleng]

You might have to go to the school, and make copies of the files yourself.

[dmom32002]

First I'm taking this your not requesting testing just
wanting all results.

Me I'd go something like this.

I need all of dd's records pretaining to testing and
or evaluations that have been done since date first requested or date that he started school, to 12-01-04.
I also need a copy of his current IEP and case conference meeting.

Thank You

[eaccae]

I did this at the end of the school year last year. By law they have to provide you at the very least access for you to make copies yourself. They will either make copies for you, make copies for you but charge you for the paper/ink, have you come in and make your own copies . . .

I wrote a letter to the principal requesting a full copy of his entire file inclusive of all notes, progress reports, evalutations/testing - I did not want anything in his file left out. They were extremely accomodating.

[Mayleng]

By the way, sometimes there is another file kept at the administration building - where all his testing/evals/sped ed stuff are kept. So make sure that you have access to all your child's file.

[Sharon]

I made a request two weeks ago for a copy of everything on my DS so that I would be better prepared for next weeks IEP meeting. I told them I would come by to pick them up and school said they will mail them to me. Still nothing! I e-mailed last Thursday and yesterday asking where the files are as I haven't rec'd them yet, that I never got a meeting notice for the IEP meeting to tell me the date, time, where, who would be there, etc. All I got back in reply was the time of the meeting and that DS will be taking two more tests the day before and the day of the meeting! There will be no time for me to go over his files and test results! a*g
If everything had gone as it should, I don't think I would be so stressed right now!

[d]

Sharon, write a two sentence letter saying that you need the test results in writing at least a week before the IEP meeting - something to the effect of so you have time to process the results beforehand to participate in the meeting. (By law you the parent is a member of the committee and your participation is required). And then an apology if it causes an IEP reschedule for a few days later, blah blah blah.

No longer than 2-3 sentences.

[dmom32002]

You need to call the STATE DEPT OF EDUCATION,
they have broke more than one law. I would
call for exactly how many days before the IEP
they have to get you the material. I would
also ask if you should file a complaint or what
if its still not done. I would also make them
aware that you haven't gotten the date for
IEP and that you have requested a week
notice.

donna

[Sharon]

Thanks. The meeting is next Wednesday, so now I don't have much time. I had good faith that they would do as they said they would. Obviously I was wrong. I can't believe how long it has taken for them to get the tests done and still two more to go the day before and the day of.

I guess that while I am in the meeting and listening to what they have to say, I will eventually point out to them that:

1. I never rec'd a Prior Written Notice
2. I never rec'd a Meeting Notice (showing the date, time, place, who will be there, etc.)
3. My son was given older versions of all tests instead the newer ones I asked for
4. I never rec'd a copy of everything in my son's file that I requested several weeks ago that I said I would come by to pick up but was told it would be mailed to me

I can't think of anymore right now. Arghh!

[dmom32002]

First, Sharon

Give them a copy of this in writing, dated.

Also send a copy certified to the superintendent
of schools, the state dept of education, and tell
them that you would like the state to document
that its in his records.

Also at this point if they hand you any of these
things you requested, have it listed on a piece
of paper, you put the date, time and stuff on
this paper and make them Initialize it. They
have broken the law I believe.

Send a copy of all things to state dept of education,
and ask if its complaint that they need. To investigate
this. Also take a tape recorder, and tape let them
know you will give them a copy.

donna

[Sharon]

Thanks Donna! g**d*ne

I knew alot of ppl tape the meetings and I was still debating it. I know now that I need to do it for my son. And you said I need to give them a copy of the tape?

Thanks again, Donna, for helping so much. There may be more peace on this board once next week is over and I won't have to bombard it with so many questions!