In addition to participating in decision-making, parents are entitled to written notice from the school district after important decisions are made that affect their child s special education. They also have the right to written notice when the district refuses a request from the parents regarding their child s eligibility, evaluation, IEP, or placement. Parental consent is required before the school district evaluates a child for eligibility, places the child in a special education program for the first time, or reevaluates the child. If the parent refuses consent, the district may request a hearing before a neutral hearings officer to obtain permission for the requested action. If parents disagree with an evaluation completed by the school district, they may request an independent educational evaluation at school district expense.
School districts maintain a list of agencies qualified to conduct independent evaluations.
Parents have a right to inspect and review their child s education records without unnecessary delay and, in any case, within 45 days of their request. School districts have a detailed written policy which describes this and other parental rights concerning education records. This policy is available to parents on request. If parents have concerns about their child s special education services, the first step is to talk to the child s teacher, principal or case manager or the district s special education administrator. If disputes are not resolved at that level, parents can take further steps, including a request for mediation, a written complaint to the Oregon Department of Education, or a request for a due process hearing.