Instructions for Prior Written Notice (PWN) Waiver for EL Parents Who Do NOT Waive Right to PWN Written in Primary Language
(for Spanish, Hmong, Somali)
Under a directive from the Minnesota Department of Education, EL parents* have the right to a PWN written in their primary (i.e.,
native) language if the parent reads in their primary language. In this case, the parent does not waive this right and chooses to have
the PWN written in their primary language.
1.
IEP Case Manager does the following:
 Checks the special education file or on EdPlan to verify whether that parent uses an oral interpreter or no oral
interpreter (all communication and special education forms are in English.)
 Calls or emails parent and explains their right to a PWN written in their primary language if the parent reads in the
primary language. If an oral interpreter is needed, Case Manager contacts Special Education Interpreter and
requests that the parent be contacted to find out if they would like to receive the PWN in their primary language
or choose to waive this right. The Special Education Interpreter lets the case manager know the parent’s
preference. (See suggested script below)
 If the parent does not want to waive their right, then a waiver form is not sent. The parent will receive the PWN
consent in their primary language. (If the parent has been receiving oral interpretation for all other special
education forms and meetings, the parent will continue to receive oral interpretation as well.)
 Logs the contact with the parent’s preference on EdPlan.
 Sends an email to Patty O’Neill at patricia.o’neill@spps.org or Jen Krueger at jennifer.krueger@spps.org letting
either one of them know that the parent will need the PWN in their native language. Provide the following
information in the email:
1) Name of student and CIF
2) Name of parent/guardian or if the student is over 18 and is own guardian
3) School student attends
4) Primary language into which the PWN must be translated
Suggested Script for IEP Case Manager/Special Education Interpreter When Communicating with Parent:
 You currently (use) (do not use) an oral language interpreter for special education meetings and forms.
 I am contacting you to inform you of your right to have the PWN consent form for evaluation and IEPs written in
your primary language if you read in your primary language.
 You can choose not to have the PWN in your primary language. If you have received oral interpretation of the
forms and meetings, you will continue to receive oral interpretation for meetings and forms in your primary
language.
 Do you want to receive the PWN translated into your native language? Yes. (In this scenario, the parent indicates
that they do want to receive the PWN in their native language.)
 This choice means that you will receive the PWN translated into your native language.
* Parents includes parents, guardians, and students over 18 who are their own guardian