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School Advocacy Toolkit

Everything you need to navigate IEPs, 504 plans, and your child's legal rights — so you can walk into any school meeting with confidence.

What is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document for students who need specialized instruction. It includes specific goals, services, and accommodations tailored to your child. IEPs are covered under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan provides accommodations and modifications for students who don't need specialized instruction but need support to access learning. It's covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Which is right for my child?

If your child needs changes to HOW they are taught → IEP. If your child just needs changes to the environment or extra time → 504. Most dyslexic students benefit from an IEP because they need specialized reading instruction (like Orton-Gillingham).

📝 Letter Templates

Copy, customize with your info, and send. These are based on real IDEA language.

Request for Evaluation

Formally request a psychoeducational evaluation from your school district.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Principal/Special Education Director Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]

Dear [Name],

I am writing to formally request a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation for my child, [Child's Name], who is currently in [Grade] at [School Name].

I am concerned about [Child's Name]'s difficulties with reading, spelling, and written language, which may indicate a learning disability such as dyslexia. Despite [his/her/their] effort and intelligence, [he/she/they] continues to struggle significantly with grade-level reading tasks.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), I am requesting that the school district conduct a full and individual evaluation at no cost to our family. I would like this evaluation to include assessments of phonological processing, reading fluency, reading comprehension, spelling, and written expression.

Please confirm receipt of this request and provide me with the timeline for completing the evaluation.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[Email]

Request for IEP Meeting

Request an IEP meeting to review or update your child's plan.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Special Education Director / Case Manager Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]

Dear [Name],

I am writing to formally request an IEP meeting for my child, [Child's Name] (DOB: [Date]), currently in [Grade] at [School Name].

I have concerns about [Child's Name]'s current progress and would like to discuss [describe concern: e.g., "the effectiveness of the current reading interventions" / "adding additional accommodations" / "the reading program being used"].

Please provide me with available dates and times. I would also appreciate receiving a copy of the current IEP and any recent progress monitoring data at least 5 days before the meeting.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[Email]

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