Disclaimer:
These resources are for general informational purposes only and are not legal advice. For full details, please see the complete disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
What Schools Can and Cannot Do
Special education laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are designed to ensure your child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This means schools are responsible for providing services, supports, and programs that help your child make progress in school. However, it’s important to understand what schools are required to do and what they cannot do, so expectations are clear and realistic.
What Schools Must Do
Provide special education services and supports based on your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Address your child’s unique needs through accommodations, modifications, and related services.
Follow legal timelines for evaluations, meetings, and services.
Work with parents as equal members of the ARD/IEP team when making decisions.
What Schools Cannot Do
Award money or damages for emotional stress or harm – special education laws focus on fixing issues, not paying families money.
Fire or discipline staff based on complaints – personnel decisions are handled by district administration, not ARD committees or TEA complaints.
Guarantee perfect outcomes – schools are required to provide services that allow progress, not perfection.
Make changes outside the IEP process – changes to services or placement must be discussed and documented in an ARD/IEP meeting.
Why This Matters for Parents
Understanding these limitations can help reduce frustration and keep the focus on what is possible and legally required: securing the services, supports, and programs your child needs to succeed.
The best way to advocate for your child is to:
Document everything (emails, progress reports, meeting notes).
Request changes in writing so timelines are clear.
Focus on solutions (like adding supports, updating accommodations, or adjusting placement) rather than punishment or compensation.
Bottom line: Special education is about creating solutions and progress for your child, not punishing school staff or seeking financial damages. Staying focused on what schools can do will help you achieve the best outcome for your child.
Parent Resources & Advocacy Tools
Explore tools, templates, and helpful information designed to make navigating special education easier. These resources are here to support you as you advocate for your child’s unique needs.
Downloadable Templates & Guides
Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) Guide
A step-by-step guide to help parents understand what happens during a manifestation determination review and how to prepare for one.
[Download MDR Guide Here →]
Parent Tips for ARD Meetings
A quick guide with practical tips to help parents navigate ARD meetings, communicate effectively, and advocate with confidence.
[Download Checklist →]
Parent ARD Organizer Form
A printable document to help you stay organized for the Admission, Review, and Dismissal meeting.
[Download Parent Organizer →]
Parent Letter Templates – IEP & Evaluation Requests
Simple, ready-to-use email templates to help parents request IEP meetings and new evaluations, with clear instructions for effective communication with schools.
[Download Template Packet →]
Parent Letter Template – Filing a TEA Complaint
A step-by-step guide and editable letter template to help parents file a special education complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) when they believe their child’s educational rights have been violated.
[Download Template →]
Visit the Texas Education Agency webpage for more information: HERE
TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY SPECIAL EDUCATION DISPUTE RESOLUTION SYSTEMS HANDBOOK: CLICK HERE