This is information, not legal advice. Every situation is different. For legal guidance, consult a special education attorney or advocate.
Where are you in the process?
Answer a couple of questions and we'll point you to the most relevant resources.
Evaluations
Requesting an initial evaluation
You can ask the school to evaluate your child at any time. Put it in writing — an email works. The school has 5 school days to send you a consent form, then 30 school working days to finish the evaluation after you sign.
Use our evaluation request template →What if I disagree with the results?
You have the right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the school's expense. They can either agree to pay for it or file with BSEA to prove theirs was adequate. They can't just say no.
Learn about IEE requests at Wrightslaw →Understanding the evaluation report
The report should tell you what your child needs — not just what's 'wrong.' If it's full of jargon, ask for a meeting to walk through it in plain language before the IEP meeting.
Browse our question bank →IEP Meetings
What to bring to any IEP meeting
Bring a copy of the current IEP, your child's most recent evaluation, a list of your concerns in writing, and someone you trust. You are allowed to bring an advocate, friend, or anyone.
Build your prep checklist →Recording the meeting
Massachusetts is a two-party consent state, so you need the school's agreement to record. Send a written request in advance asking for permission. Most districts will agree — but they can say no. If denied, ask the district to provide their own recording or a dedicated note-taker.
Get the recording request template →You don't have to decide on the spot
The school may pressure you to sign at the meeting. You don't have to. You have 30 calendar days to review and respond. Take the IEP home, read it, and ask questions.
See key questions to ask →Partial acceptance / partial rejection
In MA, you can accept the parts of an IEP you agree with and reject the rest. The accepted parts go into effect while you work out the disagreement. This is unique to Massachusetts.
Use our IEP response template →Dispute Resolution
Prior Written Notice (PWN)
Every time the school proposes or refuses something, they must give you a written explanation — what they're doing, why, what data they used, and what else they considered. If you didn't get this, ask for it.
Wrightslaw PWN guide →Filing with BSEA (Bureau of Special Education Appeals)
BSEA handles disputes between families and schools in MA. You can request mediation (less formal) or a hearing (more formal). You don't need a lawyer, but you can bring one. Filing is free.
Go to BSEA →Problem Resolution System (PRS)
If the school is violating special ed law — not following the IEP, missing timelines — you can file a complaint with the MA Department of Education. They investigate and can order the school to fix it within 60 days.
File a PRS complaint →Finding an advocate
A special education advocate knows the law and sits next to you at the table. Some are free (through FCSN or MAC), some charge a fee. An advocate is not a lawyer but can make a huge difference.
Mass Advocates for Children →Getting Specific Services
Speech, OT, and PT in the IEP
These are 'related services' under IDEA. If your child needs them to access their education, the school must provide them. Push for specific minutes per week — not vague language like 'as needed.'
Find a provider in our directory →ABA and behavioral support
Request a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) if your child's behavior affects learning. The school must create a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) that's individualized — not a generic discipline plan.
Questions to ask about ABA →Extended School Year (ESY)
If your child would lose significant skills over the summer, they may qualify for ESY. The Team must consider it at every annual review — it's not based on grades or the school's budget.
Calculate your IEP deadlines →Assistive technology
The school must consider assistive technology for every student with an IEP. This includes communication devices, text-to-speech software, sensory tools — anything your child needs to access learning.
Learn more at FCSN →