How to Ask Your School District for a PPT Meeting: And What They're Legally Required to Do

August 15, 2025

Navigating special education can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to make sure your child gets the support they need. If you're concerned about your child's learning, behavior, or development, one of the most important steps you can take is to ask your school district for a PPT meeting.

But what exactly is a PPT? And what are your legal rights when you ask for one? Here, we’ll walk you through it in language that you can understand without a legal degree.

What Is a PPT?

“PPT” stands for Planning and Placement Team. It’s the team of professionals (teachers, specialists, administrators) who work with you, the parent or guardian, to decide whether your child needs special education services and what those services should look like. Some states have other names for this team. For example, in New York it is called a CSE (Committee on Special Education).  Because we’re in Connecticut, we’ll use the term PPT going forward. 

You can request a PPT if you:

• Suspect your child may have a disability

• Want your child evaluated for special education

• Believe your child's current Individualized Education Program (IEP) needs to be changed

• Have concerns that aren’t being addressed

  
  

How Do You Ask for a PPT?

You need to put your request in writing.

Here’s a sample you can use:

Date

Dear [Principal or Director of Special Education],

I am writing to formally request a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting to discuss concerns about my child, [Child’s Full Name], who is in the [grade] at [school name]. I believe my child may need an evaluation for special education services due to difficulties in [briefly describe your concern, e.g., reading, math, attention, language; include any outside intervention you have already begun— frequency and duration].

Please confirm in writing that my request has been received and let me know when the meeting will be scheduled.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

What Happens After You Make the Request?

Under the federal law called IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), the school district must respond to your request promptly. Here’s what they’re legally required to do:

1. Respond within a reasonable time.

In most states, including Connecticut, the district must respond within 10 school days of receiving your request.

2. Decide whether to evaluate.

At the PPT meeting, the team will discuss whether your child should be evaluated for special education. You have the right to consent (or refuse consent) to any evaluations.

3. Complete evaluations within a set timeframe.

If the team agrees to evaluate your child, the school must complete the evaluations within 45 days of your consent (some states have slightly different timelines).

4. Hold another PPT meeting to review results.

Once the evaluations are complete, the team will meet again to decide if your child qualifies for special education and, if so, what services and supports will be provided in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). If special education eligibility is determined, the special education teacher and any other specialists involved (e.g. school psychologist, a speech language pathologist) will draft IEP goals that you will be able to approve before the document becomes official. 

Your Rights as a Parent

You are a critical member of the team. By law, you have the right to:

• Participate in all PPT meetings

• Receive copies of evaluations and reports

• Receive prior written notice of any decisions the district makes

• Disagree with the school’s decisions — and request mediation or due process if necessary

• Ask for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with the school's evaluation

Tips for Parents

• Document everything. Keep copies of all emails, letters, evaluations, and meeting notes.

• Bring someone with you. You’re allowed to bring a friend, advocate, or lawyer to the PPT meeting.

• Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for explanations or request clarification. You deserve to understand every part of the process.

• Follow up in writing. After the meeting, it’s a good idea to send a follow-up email summarizing what was discussed and what the next steps are.

What if Your Child Attends Private School?

If a child is parentally placed in a private school, the local education agency, typically the district in which the private school is located, is responsible for identifying a disability. In this case, a parent should go about requesting a PPT from the district the school is located in the same way they would if they lived in the district. If, at the PPT, it is determined that an evaluation is warranted, the district conducts it at no cost to the parents. A second PPT occurs to discuss findings and eligibility. If a student is determined eligible for special education, the parents or guardians must take the evaluation to their home district if they are seeking an IEP. There are various considerations about whether or not this last step is necessary based on a family’s needs and plans. 

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be an expert in special education law to advocate for your child-- you just need to know your rights and take that first step. Asking for a PPT meeting shows your school that you’re ready to be an active partner in your child’s education. And if you're still feeling unsure of the process, consult with a trusted professional in the special education or education law field. They are here to help.

Remember: You are your child’s best advocate. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and don’t give up!