top of page
Search

Navigating Special Education: More Than Just Prior Written Notice

  • Writer: randrson
    randrson
  • Jun 29, 2025
  • 5 min read
ree

When working with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan, one of the most vital rights for parents is understanding Prior Written Notice (PWN). But PWN is only one component of a larger framework of procedural safeguards that ensure your child’s educational needs are met in a fair and evidence-based way.

In this post, we’ll explore PWN and its research-based foundation, additional procedural safeguards, and provide practical tools—from a downloadable checklist to a sample PWN template—that you can use when advocating for your child.



Prior Written Notice is the written communication from the school outlining any proposed or refused changes regarding your child’s evaluation, identification, placement, or the provision of special education services. The notice must explain:


  • The specific action proposed or refused

  • The reasons behind the action

  • The data and evaluations used to support the decision

  • Other options that were considered

  • The rights you have to challenge the decision


This notice is designed to keep parents informed before changes are implemented, ensuring that decisions are well-documented and based on sound, research-based evidence. Under IDEA, decisions must be “based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable,” meaning the rationale behind any educational changes should reflect established best practices (U.S. Department of Education IDEA page, ).


Research-Based Decisions in Special Education


While the PWN document itself does not need to include academic research citations, the decisions behind it must be supported by evidence-based practices. For example, if a school declines to administer an evaluation or a reading intervention, the PWN should include:

  • Data and evaluation results

  • A clear explanation of why a particular method or service was chosen or rejected

  • Reference to state standards or peer-reviewed studies (as per the IDEA requirements)

This ensures that your child’s educational program is both legally compliant and rooted in credible research (34 CFR §300.320 ).


Additional Procedural Safeguards: Your Parent Rights


In addition to Prior Written Notice, the following procedural safeguards guarantee that you can participate fully and equally in the special education process:


1. Informed Parental Consent


  • Before evaluations or changes to the educational program, the school must obtain your written informed consent.

  • You have the right to revoke this consent at any time (34 CFR §300.300 ).


2. Annual Procedural Safeguards Notice


  • Schools must provide you with a complete copy of your procedural rights at least once a year.

  • This document explains your right to file a due process complaint, request mediation, and access other dispute resolution mechanisms (OSEP Procedural Safeguards, ).


3. Due Process and Mediation


A Parent’s Quick-Reference Checklist: What to Expect in a PWN


To help you prepare for IEP meetings and review any prior written notices you receive, we’ve developed a handy checklist.


1.

Requirement

What To Look For

2.

Clear Action

Does it say what the school is propposing or refusing (e.g., testing, services, placement)?

3.

Data & Evaluations Used

Is there a clear explanation for why the school is making this decision?

4.

Other Options Considered

Did they list other methods or services they thought about and why they were rejected?

5.

Other Relevant Factors

Are there any outside factors (e.g., attendance, behavior) that influenced the decision

6.

Parents Rights Included

Does it tell you how to access your procedural safeguards and file a complaint or request mediation?

7.

Contact Info for Help

Does it list who to contact if you have questions or need help understanding the notice?

8.

Plain Language

Is it written in clear, understandable language( and your preferred language if needed)?

9.

Missing information

Reuest a revised PWN

PWN Checklist:


  • Action Description: Is the proposed or refused action clearly described?

  • Data & Evaluations: What evidence or evaluation data was used?

  • Options Considered: Are alternatives and reasons for rejecting other options noted?

  • Research Basis: Does it reference educational standards or research-based practices?

  • Parental Rights: Are your rights (including the right to dispute and request an independent evaluation) clearly explained?

  • Contact Information: Is there a clear point of contact for your questions?


Sample Prior Written Notice Template


Below is a sample template you can use as a guide when reviewing the PWN provided by your child’s school. This template reflects the legal requirements under IDEA and can be adapted to your needs.


June 29, 2025 To: Mrs. Sally Smith From: Linda Jones Special Eduction director for Redmond City Redmond Education District

Re: Prior Written Notice Regarding [Evaluation/Service/Change]


This Prior Written Notice is provided to explain the school’s decision regarding your child’s special education program. 1. Action Description: The school proposes/refuses to [describe the specific action, e.g., “initiate a new reading intervention program”]. 2. Data and Evaluations: The decision is based on the following data and evaluations: - [List specific evaluation results, data sources, or observations]. 3. Options Considered: The following alternatives were considered: - [Option 1] - [Option 2] The reasons for rejecting these alternatives are: [explanation]. 4. Educational Rationale: This decision is based on current research-based practices in special education and aligns with state standards as outlined in [relevant regulation or research reference]. 5. Parental Rights: You have the right to challenge this decision by requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense or by filing for due process. Please refer to your Procedural Safeguards Notice for further details. If you have any questions or require further details, please contact [contact name and information].

This template is adapted from best practices outlined by IDEA and can serve as a starting point for ensuring that you receive comprehensive, clear, and research-based notice of any changes.


Final Takeaways

Topic

What to Do

Prior Written Notice

Ensure any changes to your child’s program are fully explained with data, alternatives, and a clear research basis.

Informed Consent & Safeguards

Understand your rights regarding evaluations, consent, and the annual procedural safeguards notice provided by the school.

Dispute Resolution

If you disagree with the school's decision (including a refusal to test), know you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the school’s expense, or pursue mediation or due process.

Independent Education Evaluation

An evaluation by an expert outside the school district.

Practical Tools

Use checklists and sample templates to review and, if needed, challenge the documentation and decisions made by your child’s school.

At Cascade Mind & Body Clinic, we empower families with clear, up-to-date information so you can confidently advocate for your child’s education. For further details or to schedule an appointment.

Sources:


 
 
 
bottom of page