Education Records
Understanding your child’s educational history starts with the records your school district keeps. Before we can help, you’ll need access to them.
Education Records: The Foundation for Advocacy
If your child is struggling in school — whether it’s due to academic needs, behavior challenges, disability-related concerns, or school discipline — one of the most important steps you can take is to request their full education records from the school district.
These records aren’t just paperwork. They represent your child’s educational history and contain the information necessary to make informed decisions — including legal ones.
What’s Included in Education Records?
Education records typically include:
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IEPs, 504 plans, and evaluations
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Testing results and psychological assessments
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Grades and transcripts
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Attendance and truancy documentation
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Disciplinary records and incident reports
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Notes from teachers or staff
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Prior communications and meeting minutes
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Behavior intervention plans and MDR decisions
Why Timing Matters: FERPA’s 45-Day Rule
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), school districts have up to 45 days to respond to a parent’s request for records. While that may be reasonable in some situations, it is often too long in time-sensitive cases like:
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Suspension or expulsion
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A scheduled Manifestation Determination Review (MDR)
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A sudden change in placement
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A disciplinary hearing
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Delays or denials in services
Don’t wait until the issue escalates. Request the records now — even if you’re still deciding what kind of support your child may need.
Why This Step Matters Before Legal Advice
In order to provide useful legal advice, Bo Johnson needs a complete view of your child’s educational history. That means reviewing what’s in the school’s official records.
This isn’t just a helpful step — it’s a necessary part of how we prepare, evaluate, and advise families. Your active role in requesting the records helps us work more efficiently on your behalf.
Tips for Requesting Your Child’s Education Records
1.
Make your request in writing.
Email is fine. A written request starts the official 45-day response timeline under FERPA.
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Send it to the right person.
Address your request to the school principal, special education coordinator, or records office. If unsure, ask the front office who handles student records.
2.
Ask for “complete education records.” You don’t need to list every item — this phrase covers all documents related to your child.
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