Contingency Learning Plans (CLPs): What? Why? How to Respond?
by Pete & Pam Wright
Wrightslaw.com
Print this page
In this issue of The Special Ed Advocate, we
- take a closer look at Contingency Learning Plans (CLPs) - what they are, why school districts want them, and how to respond when you find one in your mailbox,
- include a new Sample Letter to Document a Problem ... about CLPs, IEPs, or to request an IEP meeting and
- share a Special Offer on the famous Wrightslaw Bundle. (Hot Tip! The Bundles include the infamous All About IEPs).
**************************
1. Contingency Learning Plans: What? Why? How to Respond
"Our district is developing 'contingency learning plans' for children with IEPs. According to my child's CLP, I had 'no concerns about distance learning' (not true) and I have not been 'in communication' with the school (not true). The CLP is misleading because it includes services that the school hasn't provided."
We are receiving questions from parents about "Contingency Learning Plans." As we started digging, we had questions about these plans too!
Let's start with these:
- What is the purpose of a CLP?
- Why do school districts want CLPs?
- Who develops CLPs?
- Are parents involved in CLP decision-making?
- If the school implements a CLP, what happens to the child's IEP?
What are Contingency Learning Plans?
Let's start with definitions. A contingency plan is often used in risk management to mitigate a risk that could have huge (catastrophic) consequences.
After reading about "Contingency Learning Plans" on the websites of several State Departments of Education, we realized that the rules for developing CLPs differ from one state to another.
Want to learn more about Contingency Learning Plans? Do we have your interest?
Read our new article, Contingency Learning Plans (CLPs): What? Why? How to Respond.
Don't want a Contingency Learning Plan? Got it. We can help. Read on.
********************
2. Special Offer: 25% Off on the Wrightslaw Bundle
The Famous Wrightslaw Bundle - Was $77.80. Now $58.35!
Includes 4 Wrightslaw books:
- Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd Edition,
- Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition,
- Wrightslaw: All About IEPs and
- Wrightslaw: All About Tests and Assessments, 2nd Edition.
You'll find more great deals in the Wrightslaw Store!
**************
3. Sample Letter to Document Problems: Contingency Learning Plans, to Amend the IEP and Request an IEP Meeting
If or when you find a "Contingency Learning Plan" in your mailbox, you need to read it. Think about it.
If you decide to make corrections, clarify, or note your objections, you can make life a little easier if you use our Sample Letter to Document a Problem: Contingency Learning Plans, IEPs, IEP Meetings. Just tailor the details to your child's circumstances.
Since life just got a little easier, you may decide to provide your thoughts about amending the IEP instead of creating a new document category - which is the last thing special education needs.
*******************
Coronavirus FAQs
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Good News from DC - News about waivers to rights under the IDEA and Section 504; info about IEPs, IEP meetings, timelines and parent advocacy during the COVID-19 crisis.
COVID-19 Closed My Child's School: Now What? Answers to your questions and help getting your child's special education back on track.
My Child's School Closed Suddenly and I Need Help - Resources to help your children learn at home and links to an excellent article, "Making the Most of COVID-19 School Closures.
Can IEP Meetings Be Postponed Until After Schools Re-Open? Article includes timelines from federal law for initial IEPs, annual IEPs, revising IEPs, online / remote IEP meetings.
Advocacy Links
Write Things Down When They Happen - Good documentation is essential to your success at IEP meetings.
Protect Your Child's Interests: Create a Paper Trail - Use low-tech tools - journals, logs, calendars, and letters - to create a paper trail to document your contacts with the school and the special education your child receives during the school closure.
Created: 05/15/20
Revised: 00/00/00
