Prior Written Notice
What it means, where to look for it in the school record, and what to ask next.
What PWN means in the school record
PWN means Prior Written Notice. In an IEP conversation, the practical question is what decision, service, support, or record this term affects for your child.
Under IDEA, the school must give Prior Written Notice a reasonable time before it proposes or refuses to initiate or change a child's identification, evaluation, educational placement, or provision of FAPE. The notice explains the action, the reasons, the records relied on, and other options considered.
Why it matters
PWN is an important paper trail. If the school proposes or refuses a covered action, ask the team to document the decision, the data used, options considered, and the reason in writing.
What to do when you see PWN
Use this when the school proposes or refuses an evaluation, service, placement, or FAPE-related change and the reason is unclear.
Check This Record
- Look for a written notice that explains what the school proposes or refuses.
- Check whether the notice lists the records, evaluations, and factors the school relied on.
- Compare the notice with what was actually discussed in the meeting or email thread.
Red Flags
- The team says no verbally but gives no written explanation.
- The notice gives a conclusion without the evaluation data or options considered.
- The notice is confusing, incomplete, or not in a language you can understand.
Documents to Gather
- Request email
- Meeting notes
- Prior written notice
- Evaluation data
- Procedural safeguards notice
Sample Finding
The school refused additional OT evaluation, but the notice does not explain which data it used or which other options were considered.
What to Write
"Please provide prior written notice explaining the action proposed or refused, the records used, the options considered, and the reason for the decision."
Who to Contact
Start with the case manager or IEP coordinator. If the term affects a 504 plan, copy the 504 coordinator; if it affects records, copy the records contact.
When to Get Local Help
Get qualified local help if this term affects discipline, safety, placement, graduation, evaluation refusal, service loss, complaint or due-process deadlines, or a state-specific timeline.
Privacy Note
Share only the IEP pages, evaluations, progress data, service logs, or school records needed for this question. Avoid broad medical history, extra student identifiers, or unrelated records when you ask for help.
Source check
This page is a plain-English guide and does not replace legal advice. Rules, timelines, and procedures vary by state, district, dispute posture, and the individual school record.