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Sample Behavior + Discipline Letters

When behavior or discipline becomes an IEP issue, federal law gives parents specific tools. These sample letters cover FBA requests, BIP reviews, restraint/seclusion complaints, discipline-related IEP meetings, and suspension challenges.

FBA request letter

When to use: Use when behavior is impeding your child's learning or the learning of others at school and you want the school to conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment. Triggers the federal obligation under 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i).

[Date]

[Case Manager Name] and [Special Education Director Name]
[School Name]
[School District]
[Address]

Re: Request for Functional Behavior Assessment, [Child's Name], [Grade]

Dear [Case Manager] and [Director],

I am writing to formally request that [School Name] conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) for my child, [Child's Name].

Specific behaviors of concern:
- [Behavior 1, for example: aggression toward peers]
- [Behavior 2, for example: elopement from the classroom]
- [Behavior 3, for example: refusal to engage in academic tasks]

Recent incidents and patterns:
- [Date and incident]
- [Date and incident]
- [Date and incident]

The behavior is impeding [Child's Name]'s learning, and under 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i), the IEP team must consider the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports when a child's behavior impedes the child's learning or that of others.

I am requesting:
1. A comprehensive FBA conducted by a qualified evaluator (a BCBA, school psychologist, or behavior specialist as appropriate), addressing the antecedents, behaviors, and consequences as well as the function of the behavior.
2. Direct observation of [Child's Name] in multiple school settings, including [academic classroom, transitions, unstructured time, related services].
3. Parent input as part of the FBA, including data I can share about behaviors at home and in the community.
4. Once the FBA is complete, an IEP team meeting to develop or revise a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) based on the findings.
5. Prior Written Notice under 34 CFR 300.503 if the district declines to conduct the FBA, explaining the reasons and the data the team considered.

Please confirm receipt of this letter in writing within five business days, along with the planned FBA timeline. If the district believes the existing data is sufficient to develop a BIP without an FBA, I would like to discuss that decision before it is finalized.

Sincerely,

[Parent's Name]
[Phone]
[Email]

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BIP review / revision request

When to use: Use when your child has a Behavior Intervention Plan but the data shows it isn't working, the team hasn't been collecting data, or the BIP needs revision. The BIP must be data-driven and modified when ineffective.

Restraint / seclusion incident complaint

When to use: Use after a restraint or seclusion incident at school. Goes in the record, triggers the IEP team's obligation to consider whether IEP supports were adequate, and preserves your ability to escalate.

Discipline-related IEP team meeting request

When to use: Use when discipline is escalating but you don't yet have a manifestation determination question. Forces the IEP team to address whether the behavior is an IEP issue under 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i).

Suspension challenge (pre-manifestation step)

When to use: Use to challenge a suspension you believe is disability-related, before it accumulates to the 10-school-day manifestation threshold. Documents your objection and triggers an IEP review.

Frequently asked questions

When can I request an FBA?
Any time. Under 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i), when a child's behavior impedes their learning or others', the IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions. Parents can request an FBA in writing without waiting for the school to suggest it.
Do I need an FBA before a BIP?
Best practice is yes. An FBA identifies the function of the behavior, which is what makes a BIP effective. A BIP without an FBA is essentially a guess at why the behavior is happening.
What if the school used physical restraint on my child?
Document it immediately, request all incident reports, and request an IEP meeting to review the restraint in the context of the IEP and BIP. State law varies on what's permitted; in most states, restraint without an FBA and BIP is grounds for a state complaint.
How many suspension days trigger manifestation determination?
Once suspensions for similar behavior reach 10 school days cumulatively in a school year, the school has triggered a change of placement under 34 CFR 300.536, and manifestation determination procedures must follow. Track every removal day.
Can I challenge a suspension before the 10-day manifestation threshold?
Yes. Use a discipline-IEP-meeting request to force the team to address whether the behavior is an IEP issue under 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i), rather than waiting for the cumulative discipline to escalate.

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