Parent Rights, Records, and Questions
Know your rights
Parents, guardians, and adult students have rights in the special education process. These include participation in decisions, written notice of proposed or refused actions, and protections related to evaluations, records, services, and disagreements. The Notice of Procedural Safeguards explains these rights and the available processes in more detail. Ask your case manager or PPS office for a copy or help understanding it.
Notice of Procedural Safeguards — ISBE (PDF)
Requesting educational records
Before a student turns 18, a parent or legal guardian may request the student’s educational records. At age 18, rights generally transfer to the student. The adult student should make or authorize a request unless a valid delegation of rights, guardianship, or another legally recognized arrangement applies.
Contact the student’s school or PPS office. Identify the student, the records requested, and how staff can contact you. The school may ask for identity verification or documentation of your authority to receive records. Staff can explain any applicable exceptions and how to submit supporting documents securely.
What if I have a concern about services?
Start by contacting the case manager or school’s Special Programs office. Explain your concern and the support or information you are requesting. You may also contact the Department Chair, Assistant Principal in Charge of Special Programs, or Director of PPS.
If you disagree with a special education decision, you may ask about an IEP meeting and options such as mediation, IEP facilitation, a state complaint, or due process. You do not have to complete the school’s contact steps before using your procedural rights.
Quick answers
Who is my student’s case manager? The school’s Special Programs office can provide the name and contact information.
Who can help with a schedule that does not match the IEP? Contact the case manager and Department Chair so the school can review the schedule and IEP together.
Who can help with a placement outside District 205? Contact Erica Perry through the PPS office.