. SAMPLE LETTERS TO THE SCHOOL

For more information about letter writing, please go to:

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/ltrs.index.htm

If you have a copy of Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, turn to page 331. You will find more than a dozen letters that you can tailor to your circumstances:

* Request your child's file
* Request a meeting with the school team
* Document a discipline problem
* Express appreciation
* Document an IEP problem
* Decline a request / reschedule a meeting
* Request a meeting with a teacher
* Request a review of your child's educational records
* Request an evaluation for special education services
* Request test scores as standard scores & percentile ranks
* Follow-up letter after IEP meeting to document unresolved issues /
requests
* Ten-day letter to withdraw child from public school

Learn more about Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy:
http://www.wrightslaw.com/bks/feta/feta.htm

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Toll-free Phone & Fax Orders: http://www.wrightslaw.com/bks/orderform.htm

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PAPER TRAILS & LETTER WRITING

You can use letters to build relationships, identify and solve problems, clarify decisions that were made and not made, and motivate people to take action.

Train yourself to write things down - this will help you protect your child's interests. If you have a dispute with the school, your letters independent evidence that support your memory. Documents that support your position will help you resolve disputes early.

When you write a letter, think about what you want your letter to accomplish. Edit letters they make a good impression. When you write a letter, think about the powerful decision-making Stranger who can make things right.

These articles will help you write effective letters:

* The Art of Writing Letters *

In this article you learn to use tactics and strategies when you write letters to the school. You learn about the Blame Approach and the Story-Telling Approach; the sympathy factor; first impressions; pitfalls; and the powerful decision-making Stranger.

http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/DRAFT_Letters.html

* Using Story-Telling to Persuade *

See how one father used the story-telling approach of letter writing when he asked the school district to help his son. Do you see Joe through his father's eyes? Do you understand why the parents removed Joe from the public school program? What should be done to help Joe?

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/ltrs.persuade.james.htm

* 12 Rules for Writing Great Letters *

If you have a problem with the school or concerns about your child's program, you must document your concerns in writing. This article includes 12 Rules for Writing Letters, and editing tips.

http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/12rules_letters.htm