How to request a special education evaluation
If you think your child may have a disability that affects learning, you can ask the school to evaluate them for special education. The evaluation is free. Asking in writing starts a paper trail and, once you consent, a legal timeline.
What the law says
- Schools must look for students who may need help. Under IDEA's "child find" duty, schools must identify, locate, and evaluate children with disabilities who may need special education.
- You can ask. A parent may request an initial evaluation to find out whether their child has a disability and needs special education.
- The school must respond. It will either ask for your written consent to evaluate, or refuse. A refusal must come with prior written notice explaining why.
- There's a deadline. Once you give consent, the initial evaluation must be completed within 60 days, or within your state's timeline if it sets a different one.
- It must be complete. Your child must be assessed in all areas related to the suspected disability, not just one test.
Tips before you send it
- Address it to the principal and the district's special education director.
- Send it by email or another method that shows the date, and keep a copy.
- Describe what you see at home and what teachers have told you. Specific examples help.
- Attach any outside reports you already have, such as a doctor's or therapist's evaluation.
- Follow up if you don't hear back within a week or two.
Letter template
Copy this and fill in the bracketed parts.
[Date]
To: [Principal's name], [School name]
Cc: [Special Education Director], [School district]
Re: Request for a special education evaluation for [Child's full name], date of birth [DOB], grade [grade]
I am writing to request a full and individual evaluation of my child, [Child's name], to determine whether they are eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
I am concerned about [my child's reading / attention / communication / behavior / other]. For example:
- [Specific example]
- [Specific example]
- [What teachers or others have noticed]
Please evaluate my child in all areas of suspected disability. Please send me the consent form for the evaluation, a copy of the procedural safeguards notice, and, if you decide not to evaluate, prior written notice explaining that decision.
I can be reached at [phone] or [email]. Thank you, and I look forward to working with the team.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
What happens next
- The school asks for your consent in writing, or tells you in writing that it won't evaluate and why.
- After you sign consent, the school has 60 days (or your state's timeline) to complete the evaluation.
- The team meets with you to review the results and decide eligibility.
- If your child is eligible, the team writes an IEP. Our IEP meeting checklist can help you prepare.
If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you may have the right to an independent educational evaluation at public expense.
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- 34 CFR 300.111: Child find
- 34 CFR 300.301: Initial evaluations
- 34 CFR 300.304: Evaluation procedures
- 34 CFR 300.503: Prior notice by the public agency; content of notice
- 34 CFR 300.504: Procedural safeguards notice
This guide is general educational information about federal law, not legal advice. Your state may add its own rules and timelines. For help with your situation, contact your state's Parent Training and Information Center or a special education attorney.