• What are the Educational Rights of  Special Education Students and Their Families?

Sonya Harris

Picture@proudNJteacher
ALL students, who are eligible for special education and related services have the right to receive the best educational experience possible, in the best setting to meet their individual needs.  Parents have the right to advocate for their children to make sure this occurs, just as students have the right to act as self-advocates, or can bring a person of their choosing to assist/advocate for the child as well.  Parents should ALWAYS know what is in their child's IEP, and make sure their child is receiving all of the services provided, as well as ensuring that their child meets all of his/her educational goals and objectives.  

Dr. Camilla Ferebee

Picture@DrMi_Mi
One right  a parent has that they are seldom aware they have; is a right to an independent educational evaluation. If the parent does not agree with the findings of the evaluation conducted by the school system. The school system can deny the request, this is done by the school system requesting a due process hearing. If the parent has an outside evaluation, you have the right to present that information and the results to be considered by the school division. 

In addition, parents have a right to review their child’s records.