School Records
Under state and federal law you are guaranteed the right to review your child's school records. You are also allowed to make copies of the contents of the records at your own minimal expense. You should do so any time the school system plans to change your child's status, classification, service or educational program and before you pursue acquiring any services, Due Process or any other legal action with the school.
Following is a sample request letter:
Your Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date
(Principal's Name)
School
School Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear (Principal's Name),
I am writing to formally request the opportunity to review my child's (child's name), school records including all evaluations and psychological testing from all locations. I would like to review them on (ten working days from date of letter) and to make copies at my own time. I understand that I have the right to make these copies at my own expense in accordance with state and federal school records information acts. IF this date is inconvient, please notify me at 000-000-0000 immediately with an alternate date.
Sincerely yours,
(Parent's Name)
When you go to the school to review your child's records make a list of
EVERY PAPER in the file. For example, if it says IEP October 17, 1999 write that down on your list. Take several pieces of paper for this purpose and number each page 1 of 4 or whatever, make sure the total number of page is one every page. (Wait until you are finished to number pages.) Once the list if finished, write the following paragraph at the bottom of the list and have the principal sign it and date it.I, the undersigned, have read the above list and find it to be an accurate and complete listing of the entire contents of (your child's name) school records.
________________________________ Date _____________
This list will make it difficult for the school system to take papers out or put papers into your child's file, which may hurt your case.
Return to Main Page