Confirming school decisions

Ask for a summary of what the school has agreed to do and when, to ensure accountability.

Sometimes in a meeting, everything sounds promising. The team nods, people agree to try new strategies, and you leave with a cautious sense of relief. But later, you’re left wondering—What exactly did they say they’d do? When? Who was responsible?

Confirming decisions in writing is how you transform a helpful conversation into something the school can be held to. It creates a shared record. It reduces confusion. And it ensures that promises don’t disappear the moment you leave the room.

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How to use this strategy

After a meeting, or any verbal agreement, send a short email that documents what was decided. You don’t need to be formal or elaborate. Just say:

“Thanks for the meeting today. To confirm, my understanding is that [list what was agreed to]. If I’ve missed or misunderstood anything, please let me know.”

You can also request that the school provide a written summary. If there are minutes or follow-up notes, ask for a copy. Highlight:

• What supports were approved
• Who will implement them
• When they will start
• When the team will check in again

If the school is reluctant to send a written summary, your follow-up becomes even more important. It shows you’re taking the meeting seriously—and it gives you something to reference later if the plan doesn’t materialize.

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What to watch out for

Schools sometimes speak in vague terms: “We’ll explore options,” “We’ll do our best,” “We’ll support however we can.” These phrases are not commitments. Confirming decisions in writing helps you gently clarify what was actually promised.

In some cases, the school may change course later. Staff may move. A teacher might interpret an agreement differently. By having a dated summary, you can say: “This is what we were told. This is what we were expecting.” It makes any future disagreement easier to navigate—and harder to dismiss.

It’s okay to repeat yourself. It’s okay to double-check. You are not being difficult; you are making sure your child doesn’t fall through the cracks.

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Bonus tip: escalate with clarity

If the school is vague, dismissive, or fails to follow through, a confirmed summary becomes your foundation for escalation. You can say:

“As outlined in my previous email dated [date], the school agreed to [list action]. This has not occurred. I am now requesting involvement from [e.g. the principal, superintendent, district inclusion lead] to ensure timely implementation.”

Every summary becomes a brick in the wall you are building to protect your child.

You are allowed to write things down.
You are allowed to hold the school to its word.
You are allowed to expect that decisions will be followed through.