Written Prior Notice

When special education teams make decisions about any aspect of the Special Education Process that will cause a change for the student - that triggers the team’s obligation to provide the parents with Written Prior Notice (WPN) before the proposal or refusal is implemented.

WPN has been included in the Federal Special Education laws since 1977 without change in all the ensuing years.

The written notice to the parents is to provide them with the reasoning that the team used in coming to conclusions while at team meetings. Even though the parents are present at these meetings, the team still has this obligation. The notice must be given a reasonable time, but not less than 14 days before the team proposes or refuses to make changes in referral, evaluation, determination of eligibility, Individualized Education Program, placement, or the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

The components of WPN are:

1. a description of the action proposed or refused
2. an explanation of why the action is proposed or refused
3. a description of any options considered and why those options were rejected
4. a description of each evaluation procedure, test, record, or report used as the basis for the proposed or refused action
5. a description of any other factors relevant to the proposal or refusal
6. a statement notifying parents of their rights
7. sources for parents to contact to obtain assistance to understand these procedures

If, 14 calendar days after the sending of the WPN, the parents do not respond at all to the proposal or refusal, the school may implement the proposed changes if the school has taken reasonable measures to obtain informed written consent from the parent (s).