"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 §300.116 — Placement decisions must be based on the child's IEP, made by a group including the parents, and reviewed at least annually.
The Letter Template
Copy & Customize
Dear [Special Education Director], I am writing to formally request a review of the educational placement for my child, [Child's Full Name], currently placed in [current placement — e.g., "self-contained special education classroom at School Name"]. I believe the current placement is [not appropriate / too restrictive / not providing adequate support] for the following reasons: • [Reason #1] • [Reason #2] • [Reason #3] I am requesting that the IEP team consider the following placement: [Proposed placement — e.g., "general education with a 1:1 aide and push-in special education services" or "a smaller therapeutic program that specializes in my child's specific needs"] Under IDEA's Least Restrictive Environment requirement, placement decisions must be individualized and based on the child's IEP, not administrative convenience. Please schedule an IEP meeting to discuss this request within [10 school days]. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Date]
Pro Tips for Using This Letter
Placement decisions must be made by the IEP team — not unilaterally by the school.
The school must consider the full continuum of placements.
If you disagree with the proposed placement, you can invoke 'Stay Put.'
Bring supporting documentation from outside professionals if available.
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