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Expert Reviewedby Mary

"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) — The IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions when behavior impedes learning.

The Letter Template

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Dear [Special Education Director/Principal],

I am writing to formally request a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) for my child, [Child's Full Name], currently in [Grade] at [School Name].

My child is exhibiting the following behaviors at school:
• [Behavior 1 — e.g., "Leaving the classroom without permission (elopement)"]
• [Behavior 2 — e.g., "Verbal outbursts during transitions"]
• [Behavior 3 — e.g., "Physical aggression toward peers during unstructured time"]

These behaviors are impacting my child's ability to learn and the learning of others. I believe a Functional Behavior Assessment is necessary to identify the function (purpose) of these behaviors so that an effective Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) can be developed.

I understand the school has [state timeline] to respond to this request and to either proceed with the FBA or issue a Prior Written Notice (PWN) explaining why the FBA is not warranted.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]

Pro Tips for Using This Letter

An FBA looks at the antecedent (trigger), behavior, and consequence to find the ROOT CAUSE.

Without an FBA, a BIP is just guessing — the plan must be based on real data.

If the school already has a BIP but no FBA, the BIP may not be legally sufficient.

You can request an independent FBA if you disagree with the school's results.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I email this letter or send it as certified mail?

Email creates an instant, timestamped paper trail — use that as your primary method. But for formal requests (evaluations, Prior Written Notice, dispute filings), follow up with certified mail so you have proof of delivery the school can't deny.

What if the school doesn't respond to my letter?

Under IDEA, the school must respond to formal parent requests within a reasonable timeframe. If you don't hear back within 10 business days, send a follow-up email referencing your original request, the date, and the specific right you're exercising. If they still don't respond, file a state complaint — non-responsiveness is itself a violation.

Can the school retaliate against my child for sending this letter?

No. Retaliation against parents for exercising their rights under IDEA is illegal. If you notice changes in your child's treatment after sending a letter, document everything and report it. This is a separate complaint you can file.

Do I need a lawyer to send this letter?

No. Parents have every right to advocate for their child without an attorney. These templates are written to be used by parents directly. However, if you're heading toward due process or the school is being uncooperative, consulting with a special education advocate or attorney can strengthen your position.

Free Tool

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Find every compliance violation first. Then cite the specific issues in your letter.

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Letter to Request a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)