Contingency Learning Plans: What? Why? How to Respond
May 15, 2020



  • 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,
  • share a Sample Letter to Document a Problem ... about CLPs, IEPs, or to request an IEP Meeting, and
  • introduce a Special Offer on the famous Wrightslaw Bundle (Hot Tip! the Bundle includes the infamous All About IEPs.)


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!

We will 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?


Don't want a Contingency Learning Plan? Got it. We can help. Read on.

The Famous Wrightslaw Bundle - Was $77.80. Now $58.35!

Four 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.

Sample Letter to Document Problems:
Contingency Learning Plans, Amend the IEP, Request an IEP Meeting














New! 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 is 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 think special education needs.

Special Education in the COVID-19 Era

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.

Can IEP Meetings Be Postponed Until Schools Re-Open? Includes timelines for Initial and annual IEPs, revising IEPs, online / remote IEP meetings.

COVID-19 Closed My Child's School: Is the School Required to Make Up Missed Services? Answers to your questions and help to get your child's special education back on track.

Write Things Down When They Happen - Good documentation is essential to your success at IEP meetings.

Protect Your Child’s Interests - Use low-tech tools - journals, logs, calendars, and letters - to document your child’s special education and your contacts with the school.