What to Do When You Disagree With the School

If you disagree with a school decision, start by putting your disagreement in writing to the case manager and asking for a meeting. New Jersey also has formal dispute-resolution options, including mediation and due process, and free help is available from SPAN and Disability Rights New Jersey. Vicabell does not provide legal advice.

1. 1Write down exactly what you disagree with

   Be specific: the goal, the service amount, the placement, the evaluation, or the decision that your child is not eligible.

2. 2Send it in writing and ask for a meeting

   Email the case manager, keep a copy, and ask for a meeting to discuss the specific item. Ask for the district's written explanation of its decision.

3. 3Ask what data the decision was based on

   Request the reports, work samples or progress data used. Ask for anything you have not seen.

4. 4Bring support to the meeting

   You can bring another adult. A parent advocacy organization can help you prepare questions.

5. 5Ask for the outcome in writing

   After the meeting, ask for written confirmation of what was agreed or refused, and keep it with your records.

• Requesting an independent evaluation, which has its own rules and district responses
• Mediation, a voluntary process with a neutral mediator
• Due process, a formal legal proceeding
• Filing a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Education

• Stay factual and specific; describe what you observed and what you are requesting.
• Ask for one thing at a time when possible.
• Confirm conversations by email afterward: as I understand it, we agreed to ...
• Keep every document dated and in one place.

• What information was this decision based on, and may I have a copy?
• Can you explain the district's position in writing?
• What options do I have if I still disagree?
• Where can I find the parental rights information for New Jersey?
• Is there a way to try something for a set period and then review the data?
• Who else in the district can review this decision?

• Disagreeing is not the same as filing anything formal; most concerns are handled in meetings.
• Formal processes have strict deadlines; missing one can limit your options.
• Vicabell provides educational navigation information only and does not offer legal advice or representation.
• Nothing here guarantees a particular outcome.

• Write one clear paragraph describing what you disagree with and what you are asking for, email it to the case manager, and contact SPAN if you want help preparing.

• IEP Basics: What Is Actually in an IEP?
• Preparing for an IEP Meeting in New Jersey
• Understanding the Difference Between an IEP and a 504 Plan

• NJ Department of Education, Office of Special Education State information about special education in New Jersey public schools.
• SPAN Parent Advocacy Network New Jersey's Parent Training and Information Center for families of children with disabilities.
• Disability Rights New Jersey New Jersey's designated protection and advocacy organization.