Letters from special education teachers to parents can be difficult to write. However, they are important to keep the parents informed of progress, lack of progress and general classroom news. Letters to parents can also serve as documentation of attempts to contact, notify and inform. Letters can have legal significance and a lack of letters can also have legal significance. It is important to use different templates for different occasions.
Sample letter of progress: Please note you will need to change the exact wording to reference your students IEP goals and skills.
Today's Date
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Patterson,
Billy has had a productive week. During color time he chose two crayons independently and used both in his picture. At math center, he counted up to three beads and placed them in a cup. At lunch Billy chose his own food. After he sat down he discovered he did not like the applesauce. The paraprofessional recognized this may become a "meltdown" moment so she quickly showed him his list of social choices. He chose "get something better tomorrow" as an acceptable option. And a possible meltdown was avoided.
Next week we plan to study about frogs. I feel Billy will enjoy this because he has a strong interest in water and water animals. We will also continue to work on IEP goals. If you have any questions or concerns please send me a note, email me or leave a phone message with the school office manager and I will return your call (include email and school phone number).
Sincerely,
Your Name
End of sample letter.
Use this format for all of your letters that are updates on the week's events. Always reference IEP goals in the text of the letter and mention an example of work toward the goal. Be truthful and do not embellish. Be factual but do not write in a cold unwelcoming tone. It is important that you let the parent know their feedback is welcomed and needed for the student to be successful.
Take a moment to send an unscheduled memo note home now and again that says something nice about the student. Many parents of children with disabilities do not hear from their child's teacher until there is a negative behavior to address. They will appreciate a "good note".
