School & Education
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A child must be tested to get special education services. As a parent, you can ask for an evaluation of your child at any time.
How does an evaluation for special education start?
You have the right to ask for your child to be tested at any time. If you suspect your child has a disability and may need special education, request an evaluation in writing.
School districts also must try to find children who need special education and related services. This is called the school’s “child find” responsibility. The school must identify all children from birth through age 21 in the district who may be eligible for special education services. If the school suspects a child has a disability, it must complete a comprehensive evaluation. If you suspect your child has a disability and the school has not already started an evaluation, remember that you can ask for your child to be tested at any time.
How do I request an evaluation?
Send an email or letter to the principal asking for an evaluation. Your letter should include:
- A statement asking the school to evaluate your child for special education and related services,
- A description of the problems your child has experienced,
- Steps you or the school have taken to help your child,
- Specific areas of concern you believe the tests should cover,
- Your consent for the school to test your child, and
- A request for a response within 14 school days.
What happens after I request an evaluation?
The school district must decide whether or not to evaluate your child within 14 school days. The school may ask to meet with you to decide. This is a good opportunity to share your concerns with the school.
If the school agrees to evaluate your child, they will ask for your consent. Once you sign your consent, the school has 60 school days to complete an evaluation and hold a meeting to decide if your child is eligible for special education. If there are less than 60 days left in the school year, the meeting must be held before the first school day of the following school year.
If the school district refuses to evaluate your child, you have the right to:
What if I disagree with the school district’s evaluation?
If you believe that the school’s evaluation does not give an accurate picture of your child’s abilities and needs, you can ask for a new evaluation done by someone else. This new evaluation is called an independent educational evaluation (IEE). An IEE is done by someone who doesn't work for the school. The school pays for the IEE. If you decide to ask for an IEE, put your request in writing.
If the school district denies your request for an IEE, they must start a due process hearing to prove their evaluation was appropriate.
My child is getting interventions at school. Can I still request an evaluation?
Yes. As a parent, you can request an initial evaluation at any time.
School teams may use an intervention process to monitor student progress and collect data. This intervention process may be called a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) or Response to Intervention (RTI). In this process, students often move through different levels or tiers of interventions. An evaluation for special education services can happen during any tier of the intervention process. The intervention process cannot be used to delay or deny a full, individualized evaluation of a child suspected of having a disability. Remember, you can request that your child be evaluated for special education services at any time. Be sure to put your request in writing.
What will happen during the evaluation process?
Learn more about what happens during the evaluation and eligibility determination process.
