IEP Rights
What are the rights for my student in Boston Public Schools when considering special education services?
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) - students with disabilities, including suspended or expelled students, have the right to a free education that meets their unique needs. This is not the best education, but what is appropriate.
Evaluation: You have the right to an evaluation of your child to find out if he or she has a disability and is eligible for special education services. WHO TO CONTACT: Principal/head of school or Special Ed Coordinator (COSESS). BPS Source Page
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) - students with disabilities have the right to be educated alongside students without disabilities as much as possible.
What are my rights in Boston Public Schools with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)? (BPS source page)
1. Participation - be an active participant in IEP meetings
2. Prior notice - be notified about any proposed changes to the IEP before they are implemented
3. Response - be given a chance to accept or reject all or part of a proposed IEP
4. Due Process -
5. Interpreter - be given a trained and qualified interpreter who speaks your native language during IEP meetings
6. Translated materials - have all documents written in your native language
7. Schedule that works with you & the team - find a meeting time that works for you and the IEP team
8. Revoke your signature - take back your signature on any document
9. Stay put law - have your student remain on the most recent IEP that was agreed to in the event there is a dispute or if your student is changing school districts
10. Request a meeting (any time) - can ask for an IEP meeting at any time
Within 30 days of the Team Meeting for an IEP, a parent / student* has the right to:
accept all or part of the services offered by the school;
reject all or part of the services offered by the school;
reject the omission of services that the parent thinks the child needs but that are not
included in the proposed IEP;
observe any proposed placements;
accept or reject the proposed placement.
(*if a student is age 14 or over)
