"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
IDEA requires schools to implement IEPs as written. When they fail to do so, 'compensatory education' is the remedy.
The Letter Template
Copy & Customize
Dear [Special Education Director], I am writing to formally request compensatory education services for my child, [Child's Full Name], due to the school's failure to implement the IEP as written. The IEP dated [Date] specifies the following services: • [Service 1 — e.g., 120 minutes/week of speech therapy] • [Service 2 — e.g., 60 minutes/week of occupational therapy] Based on my records, the following services were NOT provided as specified: • [Service 1]: Missed approximately [X] sessions from [Start Date] to [End Date] • [Service 2]: Missed approximately [X] sessions from [Start Date] to [End Date] I am requesting an IEP meeting to determine appropriate compensatory services to remediate the harm caused by this failure to implement the IEP. The compensatory services should be calculated based on the child's needs, not simply hour-for-hour replacement. Please provide the school's service delivery logs for the time period in question. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Date]
Pro Tips for Using This Letter
Keep your own records of missed services — don't rely solely on the school's logs.
Compensatory services are NOT limited to hour-for-hour replacement.
The question is: 'What does the child need NOW to be where they would have been?'
If the school refuses, file a state complaint.
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.
Start Free Audit