Alaska Special Needs Resources

Alaska takes parent participation in special education seriously. Under both federal IDEA regulations and Alaska state law, you have the right to be involved in all decisions about your child's special education. Before the school can conduct an initial evaluation or place your child in special education for the first time, they need your written consent. And if you change your mind, you can revoke that consent in writing at any time.

One unique aspect of Alaska's system is that you have the right to an independent educational evaluation at public expense if you disagree with the school's evaluation. The school has to either agree to pay for it or file for a due process hearing to show that their evaluation was appropriate. You also have the right to examine all educational records relating to your child, and the school must respond to your request without unnecessary delay and before any IEP meeting or hearing. Alaska requires schools to provide you with a Prior Written Notice whenever they propose or refuse to initiate a change in your child's identification, evaluation, placement, or the provision of a free appropriate public education.

Alaska offers several ways to resolve disputes. Mediation is voluntary and free, and it often helps parents and schools reach agreements without going to a hearing. If mediation doesn't work or isn't appropriate, you can request a due process hearing. You can also file a state complaint with the Alaska Department of Education if you believe the school has violated special education regulations. The complaint must be filed within one year of the alleged violation.

Alaska's special education process starts with a referral and evaluation. Once you give written consent, the school district has a reasonable time to complete the evaluation—Alaska doesn't specify an exact number of days like some states, but the evaluation must be completed within a reasonable period. The evaluation should look at all areas related to your child's suspected disability and use a variety of assessment tools. No single test or procedure can be the only basis for determining eligibility.

If the evaluation team determines your child is eligible for special education, an IEP team must meet to develop an individualized education program. Alaska requires this IEP to include measurable annual goals, a statement of the special education and related services to be provided, and an explanation of how much time your child will spend away from the regular education environment. For students age 14 and older, the IEP must also address transition services—planning for life after high school. The IEP team must consider your child's strengths, your concerns as a parent, recent evaluation results, and your child's academic and functional needs.

Alaska has some unique challenges due to its geography. Many communities are remote and accessible only by plane or boat, which can make it harder to access specialists and services. However, your child's right to a free appropriate public education doesn't change based on where you live. Alaska law allows for creative solutions, including the use of teleconferencing for IEP meetings when necessary and itinerant services where specialists travel to remote schools. The Alaska Parents as Teachers program and Stone Soup Group are good resources for families seeking support and information.