Schools are only required to report student progress to parents of children with disabilities once a year. Records kept by the school regarding a student's education are confidential and do not have to be disclosed to the parent unless he or she has filed a due process complaint. Parents have the right to challenge or appeal decisions related to the identification, evaluation, or placement of their child. Parents can bring whoever they want to an IEP meeting. If a student needs a particular service that is not directly available through the school, the student will need to be placed in a different school.
Recreation is considered a related service.
It is permissible to have the school prepare the IEP prior to the IEP meeting to save time. A child receiving special education services is entitled to receive a free education as well as any related services that are beneficial to the child's education. Parental consent is now required for reevaluations as well as initial evaluations. The school may refuse an evaluation but they must inform the parents of their decision in writing. Of course, the parent may request mediation or a due process hearing.