Prior written notice (PWN)
Prior written notice is a written explanation the school gives parents before it proposes or refuses to start or change a child's identification, evaluation, placement, or services. It says what the school is proposing or refusing and why.
The notice must be in language the general public can understand. In Virginia, if a school decides not to evaluate after a referral, the notice includes the parent's right to appeal.
Also called: prior written notice, PWN, written notice, notice of action
Sources
- 34 CFR 300.503 (300.503(a))U.S. Department of Education
“to the parents of a child with a disability a reasonable time before the public agency—”
- 34 CFR 300.503 (300.503(a)(1))U.S. Department of Education
“Proposes to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child”
- 34 CFR 300.503 (300.503(a)(1))U.S. Department of Education
“of the child or the provision of FAPE to the child; or”
- 34 CFR 300.503 (300.503(a)(2))U.S. Department of Education
“Refuses to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child”
- 34 CFR 300.503 (300.503(a)(2))U.S. Department of Education
“of the child or the provision of FAPE to the child.”
- 34 CFR 300.503 (300.503(b)(1))U.S. Department of Education
“A description of the action proposed or refused by the agency”
- 34 CFR 300.503 (300.503(b)(2))U.S. Department of Education
“An explanation of why the agency proposes or refuses to take the action”
- 34 CFR 300.503 (300.503(c)(1)(i))U.S. Department of Education
“Written in language understandable to the general public”
- 8VAC20-81-50 (8VAC20-81-50 D.3.b (referral made to the special education administrator, request denied))Virginia Board of Education
“If the request is denied, prior written notice in accordance with 8VAC20-81-170 shall be given to the parent(s),”
- 8VAC20-81-50 (8VAC20-81-50 D.3.b)Virginia Board of Education
“including the parent's right to appeal the decision through the due process hearing procedures.”
- 8VAC20-81-50 (8VAC20-81-50 D.5.c (school-based team decides not to refer))Virginia Board of Education
“If the team decides not to refer for an evaluation for special education and related services,”
- 8VAC20-81-50 (8VAC20-81-50 D.5.c)Virginia Board of Education
“including the parent's right to appeal the decision through the due process hearing.”