Requesting an Evaluation for Your Child
Understanding the Evaluation Process If you suspect your child has a disability affecting their education, you have the right to request a formal evaluation from the school. This evaluation determines eligibility for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It involves various assessments by professionals to comprehensively understand your child’s unique educational needs and challenges.
Steps to Request an Evaluation & The 15-Day Timeline To request an evaluation, write a formal letter to your child’s school stating your concerns and why you believe an evaluation is necessary. Be specific about the difficulties your child is experiencing and provide relevant documentation or observations.
Once your request is made, the school has a strict timeline to follow. Within 15 school days, the school must respond with one of the following two actions:
Agreement to Evaluate: The school will provide you with a Prior Written Notice for evaluation, a Notice of Procedural Safeguards, an Overview of Special Education for Parents, and an opportunity to provide your formal consent to evaluate.
Refusal to Evaluate: The school will provide you with a Prior Written Notice of refusal to evaluate, along with the Notice of Procedural Safeguards and the Overview of Special Education for Parents.
What to Do If the School Declines Your Request If the school chooses the second option and does not believe an evaluation is necessary, their written notice must explain the reasons for their decision. If you disagree, you have the right to challenge it. Request a meeting to discuss your concerns further, and consider requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the school’s expense. Be persistent in advocating for your child to ensure they receive the necessary support.
The Evaluation Timeline (45 School Days) If the school agrees to evaluate and you provide consent, the school has no longer than 45 school days to complete a Full and Individual Initial Evaluation.
During this timeframe, professionals will:
Determine if your child meets the eligibility criteria as a child with a special need.
Pinpoint their specific educational needs.
Post-Evaluation Steps & The ARD Meeting (30 Calendar Days) Once the evaluation is completed, the school must take action within 30 calendar days. During this window, the school will:
Provide you with the Parent's Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Process.
Collaborate with you to schedule an initial ARD committee meeting to discuss the results and develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan if your child is eligible.
Provide you with at least five school days’ notice prior to the initial ARD committee meeting.
Ensure the meeting is held at a mutually agreeable time and place.
These plans outline the specific accommodations and services your child will receive. Stay informed and involved in every step of this process to ensure your child gets the vital support they need to succeed academically!
Resources for Parents
Texas Education Agency's Special Education Information: Overview of Special Education for Parents
