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Understand the system so you can ask better questions.

This national family guide explains common school terms and shows where to look for the official documents that apply in your state and district.

IEP: Individualized Education Program

An IEP is part of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It describes a student’s eligible special-education needs, services, goals, supports, and how progress will be measured.

Family starting steps

  1. Write down the concerns, examples, and questions you want discussed.
  2. Request evaluation or a meeting in writing and keep a copy.
  3. Ask for documents early enough to review when possible.
  4. Bring notes, a support person, or an interpreter when needed.
  5. Ask who is responsible for each service and how progress will be reported.
Visit the U.S. Department of Education IDEA parent page ↗

Section 504 plan

Section 504 is a federal civil-rights protection. In schools, it may provide accommodations or services so a qualified student with a disability has equal access to education.

Questions families can ask

  • What barrier is affecting access or participation?
  • What information is the school using to make the decision?
  • Which accommodations are proposed, and who will implement them?
  • How will the plan be shared with the people who need to follow it?
  • When will the plan be reviewed?
Review the official Section 504 information ↗

Finding the documents

Search the district website with specific terms.

1

Start with the district—not only the school page.

Look for departments such as Special Education, Student Services, Assessment, Counseling, Records, Parent Services, or Board Policies.

2

Use exact search phrases.

Try “special education parent handbook,” “procedural safeguards,” “Section 504,” “student records request,” “graduation requirements,” “discipline policy,” or “board policy manual.”

3

Confirm the date and authority.

Check that the document is current and comes from the district, state education agency, or U.S. Department of Education.

4

Save what applies to your child.

Keep requests, notices, meeting invitations, plans, evaluations, progress reports, work samples, and follow-up emails in one organized location.

Education records and FERPA

FERPA is the federal law that provides parents—and eligible students—with rights involving education records. Use official guidance to understand access, correction, and consent rules.

Read the federal FERPA parent guide ↗

Find state help and parent centers

IDEA information includes state contacts and Parent Training and Information Centers that can help families understand rights, processes, and local support.

Find IDEA family resources ↗
Educational information—not legal advice

School procedures, timelines, eligibility, and dispute options depend on the facts and applicable law. Review official notices and seek a qualified advocate or attorney for individualized legal guidance.