"I've sat at over 500 IEP tables."
I'm Mary, a Special Education Advocate and the founder of The Advocate Ally. I created this goal bank because I was tired of seeing parents bullied into accepting generic, "cookie-cutter" IEPs.
The goals below aren't just random suggestions—they are the exact same forensically sound goals I fight for in meetings every day. Use them to demand better for your child.
Mary
Founder, The Advocate Ally
⚠️ Before you send anything: Make sure your legal footing is solid. Schools will ignore requests that aren't backed by evidence. Upload your IEP first for a free compliance audit so you know exactly what to dispute.
Legal Basis
34 CFR §300.324(a)(2)(i) — When behavior impedes learning, the IEP team must consider positive behavioral supports.
The Letter Template
Copy & Customize
Dear [Special Education Director], I am writing to formally request that a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) be developed for my child, [Child's Full Name], based on the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) completed on [Date]. The FBA identified the following functions of my child's behavior: • [Function 1 — e.g., "Escape from non-preferred academic tasks"] • [Function 2 — e.g., "Seeking sensory input during unstructured time"] I am requesting that the BIP include: 1. Specific antecedent strategies to PREVENT the behavior from occurring 2. Replacement behaviors that serve the same function as the problem behavior 3. Consequence strategies that are positive and reinforcement-based (not punitive) 4. A crisis intervention plan for safety if needed 5. Data collection procedures to monitor the plan's effectiveness Please schedule an IEP meeting to develop the BIP within [10 school days]. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Date]
Pro Tips for Using This Letter
A BIP should be proactive (preventing behavior), not just reactive (punishing behavior).
The BIP must be based on the FBA findings — not created in a vacuum.
If the BIP isn't working, it should be revised — not abandoned.
All staff who interact with your child should be trained on the BIP.
What Happens After You Send This Letter
Save a copy of the letter and the delivery confirmation (email receipt or certified mail tracking). This is your evidence trail.
The school has a limited window to respond. Mark your calendar for 10 business days — if you don't hear back, send a follow-up referencing the original date.
If they schedule a meeting in response, prepare just like you would for any IEP meeting. Bring a support person and don't sign anything at the table.
If they refuse your request, demand a Prior Written Notice (PWN) explaining why. This document is critical — it creates the legal record you need for a dispute.
Upload your IEP to get a free audit before the meeting. We'll identify every compliance gap so you walk in with evidence, not just a letter.
Not Sure Exactly What to Ask For?
A letter is only as strong as the evidence behind it. Let me review your IEP first — I'll show you exactly which problems to reference in your letter and which services to ask for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I email this letter or send it as certified mail?
What if the school doesn't respond to my letter?
Can the school retaliate against my child for sending this letter?
Do I need a lawyer to send this letter?
Audit your IEP before sending this letter
Find every compliance violation first. Then cite the specific issues in your letter.
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