Educational Assessment Center

Screens are leaving schools fast, though some students with disabilities rely on them Some students with disabilities rely on assistive technology to learn, and they worry it could be swept up in the movement to get screens out of schools.

When the school says no…

When a school says “no,” that’s not the end of the conversation.

Under special education law, the district is required to give you Prior Written Notice (PWN) when they refuse or propose something related to your child’s identification, evaluation, placement, or services.

But here’s what most parents aren’t told:

It doesn’t always happen automatically in the moment.
Sometimes it comes after the meeting.
Sometimes you have to ask for it clearly.

And not every disagreement triggers it—PWN applies to formal decisions, not casual conversations.

What matters is this:

If the team is refusing something you believe your child needs (testing, services, supports, placement), you want that refusal documented.

Why?

Because PWN forces the school to explain:
• what they decided
• why they decided it
• what data they relied on
• what options they considered and rejected

That’s what turns a vague “no” into something you can actually respond to.

Simple way to say it:
“Can you please provide Prior Written Notice documenting that decision?”

That one sentence creates accountability.

If you’re not getting clear answers or things are being denied without explanation—that’s usually where problems start.