Types of Records a Parent Should Keep

From NCLD's IDEA Parent Guide, Chapter 3: Referral/Request for Evaluation

• Report cards and progress reports
• Standardized test scores
• Evaluation results
• Medical records related to disability or ability to learn
• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and other official services plans such as 504 plans
• Awards received by the child
• Notices of disciplinary actions
• Notes on your child’s behavior or progress
• Letters or notes to and from the school or teacher, special educators, evaluators and administrators
• Notices of meetings scheduled
• Student handbook and policies
• Attendance records
• Calendar of meetings
• Samples of schoolwork

It is also important that you have a communications log.  In a notebook, keep track of your communications with the school, including:

• Records of meetings and their outcomes
• Dates you sent or received important documents
• Dates you gave the school important information
• Dates of suspension or other disciplinary action
• Notes on telephone conversations (including dates, person with whom you spoke, and a short description of the conversation)