Special Education Tools- “The Basics”
MPACT has several tools to help guide you through the special education process. Below you will find helpful sample forms, sample letters, and fact sheets that will provide you with information on your eligibility, evaluation, effective communication tips, individualized education plans, and much more.
Effective Communication
Documenting an IEP Problem Sample Letter
This is an example of how to write a letter to document a problem with your child’s IEP.
Assertiveness Communication Fact Sheet
This fact sheet will help parents understand how to communicate assertively with school professionals.
Parent Participation Fact Sheet
IDEA affords parent the right to be apart of the IEP team and to take an active role in their child's education. This fact sheet takes an in-depth look at the role of parent in regards to special education. [pdf-embedder...
Learning to Negotiate Fact Sheet
Use the negotiating techniques described in this fact sheet and you may find resolving a disagreement with your child’s school is easier and more successful. [pdf-embedder...
Useful Terms & Definitions
A list of useful terms and definitions that are commonly used in special education.
Consensus Fact Sheet
This fact sheet explains what a consensus is and how to know when it has been reached.
School Contact Log
This log can be used to help you keep a record of your contact with your child's school.
Expressing Appreciation Letter
It's important that parents acknowledge things that are going well at school. Use this sample letter as a guide for expressing appreciation.
Sample Letter for Documenting a Problem
This sample letter is an example of how to document a problem at school.
Eligibility
Sample Form Used for Assessing Eligibility & Tests to Be Used
This is a sample form that may be used as part of a child's determination of eligibility for special education services. It provides description of areas to be assessed and known tests to be used. [pdf-embedder...
Proportionate Share Worksheet
Worksheet for school districts to use for reporting the number of students who have an IEP in the district.
Missouri Disability Categories, Definitions, and Criteria
This fact sheet explains Missouri disability categories, definitions, and criteria.
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Deaf/Blindness
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Deaf/Blindness
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Emotional Disturbance
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Emotional Disturbance
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Hearing Impairment and Deafness
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Hearing Impairment and Deafness
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Intellectual Disability
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Intellectual Disability
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Multiple Disabilities
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Multiple Disabilities
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Orthopedic Impairment
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Orthopedic Impairment
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Other Health Impairment
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Other Health Impairment
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Specific Learning Disability
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Specific Learning Disability
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Speech or Language Impairment
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Speech or Language Impairment
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Visual Impairment/Blindness
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Visual Impairment/Blindness
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Young Child with Developmental Disability
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Young Child with Developmental Disability
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Autism
Missouri Eligibility Criteria for Autism
Evaluation & Testing
Sample Form Used for Assessing Eligibility & Tests to Be Used
This is a sample form that may be used as part of a child's determination of eligibility for special education services. It provides description of areas to be assessed and known tests to be used. [pdf-embedder...
Alternate Assessment Participation Determination Sample Form
Alternate assessment participation is determined by the student’s IEP team, using the criteria established by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This sample form may be used in to help determine eligibility. [pdf-embedder...
Evaluation Report Document
The evaluation report documents assessment results and review of data that assists in determining whether a student is eligible for special education, and provides information to the IEP team to assist with IEP development. [pdf-embedder...
Agency Referral Initial Evaluation Process Flow Chart
Flow chart showing the initial evaluation process for when a outside agency refers a student for special education services. [pdf-embedder...
Initial Evaluation Process-Parent Referral Flow Chart (DESE)
Flow chart showing the initial evaluation process for when a parent refers a student for special education services. [pdf-embedder...
Request for Consideration for Initial Special Education Evaluation Form
This form is often used by schools when requesting that a child be evaluated for special education.
Triennial Evaluation Document
This form documents the decision made by the parent and LEA that a triennial reevaluation is unnecessary.
Re-Evaluation Process Flow Chart (DESE)
Process for re-evaluation of a student.
Request for Independent Educational Evaluation Sample Letter
This is an example of how to write a letter to request an Independent Educational Evaluation paid for by the school district.
Request Initial Evaluation Sample Letter
This is an example of how to write a letter to request for an initial evaluation to determine if your child needs special education services. [pdf-embedder...
Missouri Alternative Assessment Decision Making Checklist & Guidance Document
Learn more about MAP-A with this helpful checklist and guidance document.
Independent Educational Evaluation
An independent educational evaluation (IEE) is conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the public agency (school district) responsible for the education of the child in question. This fact sheet explores IEE. [pdf-embedder...
Informed Written Consent
This fact sheet gives parents an in-depth look at informed written consent.
Initial Evaluation
The first time your child is evaluated for special education is called an initial evaluation. This fact sheet takes a look at what parents can expect during the evaluation process. [pdf-embedder...
Missouri Assessment Areas & Tests Commonly Used
This fact sheet explores Missouri assessment areas and commonly used tests.
Evaluation & IEP Timelines
This fact sheet offers an in-depth look at evaluations and IEP timelines.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Developmental Achievement Chart
This developmental achievement chart provides parents with helpful information about where their child is at developmentally.
Excusal of Mandatory IEP Members Form
This form excuses IEP team members from attendance due to the member’s area of the curriculum or related services is not being modified or discussed. [pdf-embedder...
Pre-Meeting Worksheet for Parents
Helpful worksheet for preparing for a school meeting.
Review of Existing Data Documentation Form
Review of Existing Data Documentation Form is a component of the IEP.
Student Invitation to Transition IEP Meeting
Student invitation to an IEP meeting regarding transition.
IEP Amendment Form
This form is used to make amendments to a child's IEP.
Documenting an IEP Problem Sample Letter
This is an example of how to write a letter to document a problem with your child’s IEP.
IEP Follow Up Sample Letter
This is an example of how to write a letter to follow up with the school about your child’s IEP.
Expressing Appreciation & Documenting a Problem Sample Letter
This is an example of how to write a letter to express appreciation and document a problem.
Request Notice of Action Sample Letter
This is an example of how to write a letter to request that your school gives you a written notice of action regarding a change to your child’s special education services. [pdf-embedder...
Evaluation & IEP Timelines
This fact sheet offers an in-depth look at evaluations and IEP timelines.
IEP Prep Questions for Parents
Answering the following questions prior to your child's next IEP. They should help you see the big picture and identify key issues.
Parent Checklist for IEP Preparation
Download this parent participation checklist before your child's next IEP meeting.
Parent Participation Fact Sheet
IDEA affords parent the right to be apart of the IEP team and to take an active role in their child's education. This fact sheet takes an in-depth look at the role of parent in regards to special education. [pdf-embedder...
Least Restrictive Environment Fact Sheet
This fact sheet explains Least Restrictive Environment and the important role it plays in your child's special education.
IEP Components
Once it has been determined that a student qualifies for special education and related services the next step is to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This fact sheet helps parents understand the process. [pdf-embedder...
Parent’s Guide to Special Education in Missouri
Parent's Guide to Special Education in Missouri provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
8 Principals of IDEA
This fact sheet is a brief overview of the 8 principles of IDEA.
Procedural Safeguards
Procedural Safeguards are designed to protect the rights of parents and their child with a disability and, at the same time, give families and school systems several mechanisms by which to resolve their disputes. Download a copy and review it before your child's next...
Reviewing Your Child’s PLAAFP
Helpful questions when reviewing your child's present level of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP).
10 Steps of the Special Education Process
This chart walks you through the 10 steps of the IEP Process.
Prior Written Notice Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides information on Prior Written Notice and Notice of Action.
Free Appropriate Public Education Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides you with in-depth information on Free Appropriate Public Education.
Special Education: What I Need to Know
Special Education: What I Need to Know This free training helps you to understand the many aspects of obtaining special education services for your child with a disability. This training is also available as an MPACT online training.
Records & Notification
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. This fact sheets provides an overview of your rights. [pdf-embedder...
Notification of Destruction of Student Records Document
This sample form is often used to notify an individual that education records with personally identifiable information are being destroyed by the school district. [pdf-embedder...
Need for an Educational Surrogate: Decision Making Flow Chart
This flow chart is used to help determine if a child needs an educational surrogate for decision making.
Prior Notice of Action
School districts must give parents notification prior to taking any action impacting a child's IEP.
Notification of IEP Meeting
Notification of IEP Meeting form.
Form for Organizing Your Child’s File
Use this form to keep track of the documents in your child’s file so they are easier to find quickly.
Parental Consent to Access Public Insurance Document
With parental consent, the school district is allowed to seek reimbursement from the MO HealthNet (Medicaid) Division for the purpose of payment for applicable services provided through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), under the Individuals with Disabilities...
Transfer of Parental Rights at Age of Majority Document
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), upon reaching the age of 18, parent procedural rights transfer to the student unless the student has been declared incompetent by a court of law and a guardian has been appointed by the court. This document...
Weekly Special Education Chart
Form that is used to log a student's time in special education on a weekly basis.
Authorization to Invite Outside Agency to IEP Meeting
School districts must obtain authorization prior to inviting an outside agency to a student's IEP meeting. This is the format that is commonly used. [pdf-embedder...
Records Request Sample Letter
This is an example of how to write a letter to request records from your school.
Records Request, 2nd Attempt Sample Letter
This is an example of how to write a letter to request your child’s records from the school if your first request is not responded to by the school. [pdf-embedder...
Request Test Scores as Standard Scores and Percentile Ranks
This is an example of how to write a letter to request your child’s test scores be reported to you in a different way.
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology Fact Sheet
What is assistive technology and what role can in play in your child's education? This fact sheet takes an in-depth look.
School Accommodations and Modifications
Students often need accommodations or modifications to their educational program in order to participate and be successful in school. This fact sheet gives a brief overview of what may available for your child. [pdf-embedder...
Parent Guide on Written State Complaint
This parent guide is provided by CADRE to help parents understand written state complaints.
Other Helpful Tools
Extended School Year Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides an overview about extended school year.
Private Agency Initial Approval Application Form
This form is completed by private agencies seeking approval to educate children.
Special Education Discipline Documentation Form
This form is used to document discipline of a child receiving special education services.
Consultation with Parentally-Placed Private School Children with Disabilities Documentation
To ensure that the timely and meaningful consultation required by the IDEA occurs, the local educational agency, or the State educational agency where appropriate, must consult with private school representatives and representatives of parentally-placed private school...
IDEA In-State Transfer Student Form
State and federal regulations require that when a student with a disability transfers from one school in the state to another school district in Missouri, the new school in which the child enrolls shall take reasonable steps to promptly obtain the child’s records,...
IDEA Out-of-State Transfer Student Form
State and federal regulations implementing the IDEA require that when a student with a disability transfers from an out-of-state school district, the new school in which the child enrolls shall take reasonable steps to promptly obtain the child’s records, including...
Missouri Migrant and English Language Learning (MELL)
Information on the Missouri Migrant and English Language Learning (MELL) program.
Discipline and Students with Disabilities Q & A
Discipline for students with disabilities can be a very complicated subject. This fact sheet provides answers to parents most frequently asked questions. [pdf-embedder...
Helpful Links
Missouri’s Office of Special Education administers state and federal funds to support services for students and adults with disabilities. The Office of Special Education has valuable information about special education in Missouri.
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) administers the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The OSEP website houses valuable information and resources about the special education process.
