Special Education Information for Families

Rights for Parents and Students

Parents and adult students are essential partners in shaping their child’s special education experience. This includes actively participating in the development and implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and understanding options available when disagreements arise. Safeguards protect their rights throughout the evaluation, IEP development, and implementation process.

Resources for Parents and Families

Explore a wealth of resources designed to empower families to navigate the special education process. From understanding procedural safeguards to participating in IEP development, our resource hub offers practical tools, training, and support to ensure meaningful engagement.

Family Support and Advocacy Organizations

Families can access free support and advocacy services to help navigate the complexities of special education. These organizations provide mentorship, support groups, guidance on legal rights, and valuable resources, including in-person events and online training.

Family and Educator Capacity Building

Effective family engagement thrives on collaboration. By strengthening the knowledge and skills of both families and educators, we create strong partnerships that foster academic and social success for children with disabilities.

Family Engagement Survey

Wisconsin school districts are required to gather feedback from parents of children with disabilities through the Family Engagement Survey every five years. This feedback helps shape how schools engage families in special education, driving continuous improvement.