Let’s Talk About: NOREP/PWN

At a Glance: 

• By law, the parent(s) must be informed of changes to their child’s special education services.

• NOREP/PWN includes an explanation of any proposed changes. 

• Required if the school denies a parent's request

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Schools frequently make changes to students' special education services. As a parent of a student served through Special Education services, you must be informed of the changes and why the school is making them. It is your legal right to participate in the decision-making. 

NOREP (you will hear it as “nor-ep” instead of the initials) stands for Notice of Recommended Educational Placement.  PWN stands for Prior Written Notice. These are similar documents, and sometimes used interchangeably depending on your school. It is crucial you understand these documents, their purpose, and your parental rights regarding the document. 

Being provided a NOREP/PWN is required under IDEA (34 C.F.R. 300.300(b)(4)(i)) as a procedural safeguard. 

What is a NOREP/PWN?

A NOREP/PWN is a written explanation of any proposed changes in your child’s educational plan. It is an official record of the decisions or recommendations. As the parent, it is your legal right to approve or revoke consent for the proposed changes. The document is also required if the school denies a parent's request. 

When will a NOREP/PWN be provided? 

• Following an initial eligibility to recommend special education and related services

• When the school requests to evaluate a student

• If the school district refuses the parent’s request for an evaluation (if this happens, they must also provide the parent(s) with Procedural Safeguards, which are your rights as a parent, and explain your options for moving forward.)

• If there is a proposed change in educational placement or the provision of FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)

• The district’s refusal to change the evaluation or educational placement of the child

• Due process hearing initiated by the school/district

• Graduation from high school for a student served with special education services

• Student exiting special education and/or related services

• Exiting high school due to aging out (22 years of age)

• Extended School Year (ESY) services

• Response to request for an independent educational evaluation (IEE)

What information should be in the NOREP/PWN?

Depending on the specific purpose of the NOREP/PWN, it will include: 

• A full description of the action proposed or refused by the school/district, the information used to make the proposed action or refusal, and any other factors relevant to the school/district’s proposal or refusal.

• An explanation of why the school/district wants to make the changes or refused to take an action

• A description of other options the IEP team considered and why those options were rejected

• A description of the educational placement recommended, including the amount of special education support and the type of special education support. 

• A statement whether the parent(s) approve or disapprove of the proposed action and why the parent(s) disapprove

• A reminder that parents have legal rights, information about how to get a written copy of those rights, and contact information for help understanding their rights. 

Why is the NOREP/PWN important?

A NOREP/PWN is a legal document. Once it is part of your child’s record, whatever wrong information is documented becomes a “fact.”

It's crucial to read each NOREP/PWN thoroughly. Remember, this document is required if the school denies a parent's request.  If you notice any inaccuracies or omissions, respond in writing to have them corrected. This vigilance and proactive approach ensure the document accurately reflects the decisions made and your response.

The IEP Guru aims to empower you with knowledge so you can empower your child's learning. Contact me if you have questions.