Evaluations

  • If the general education program isn't meeting the needs of a child with disabilities, he may be eligible to receive special education services in public schools. Services are free to parents under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law, and its regulations.
  • You should address your written request for evaluation to the school principal or the special education administrator. It's important that you document each of your concerns in the letter because all areas of suspected disabilities will be assessed. Be sure to keep a copy of the letter and any attachments for your files.
  • You should receive a written response - either an evaluation plan that requires your consent or a denial of your request giving the reasons why. In both cases, you'll be sent a copy of your legal rights and responsibilities.Remember that, if the public school agrees to evaluate your child to determine if he needs special education, that does not obligate them to provide a diagnosis.
  • Your child can't be evaluated unless you provide your consent in writing. When the school district receives the consent form that you signed, timelines begin.
  • For timelines, please click here for more information.

There are 4 components for a Referral for Evaluations

1. The suspected dsability of concern

2. How the suspected disability is demonstrated within the educational setting

3. The information the IEP Team desires from the evaluator in order to plan an appropriate program for the child

4. Any other information deemed relevant by the IEP team

Triennials ( 3 year re-evaluations)

  • Triennials must occur every three years and the testing needs to happen well before the scheduled due date. The majority of students will need triennials and usually it is only the student with severe and profound disabilities who would not need one. The IEP team must make a determination of re-evaluation needs at the annual review during year 2 of the 3 years. Triennials may include a classroom observation, achievement testing, cognitive testing, behavioral testing, intellectual testing, PT, Speech and Language testing, and OT testing, etc.

Individual Education Plan

  • If the team agrees that your child (1) has a specific learning disability and (2) needs special education services in order to benefit from the educational program, then an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) will be developed. An IEP must be developed within 30 days of eligibility determination. Goals in your child's area(s) of need will be written. A discussion of options for placement and services is last. The team must decide where the goals can be implemented in the least restrictive environment.
  • Parents are expected to participate in and contribute to the IEP process.
  • Your child won't receive any special education services unless you give your consent in writing. Any or all of the IEP with which you agree will go into effect as soon as possible after you sign it. If you disagree with the proposed IEP, you may exercise your rights of due process. These include participating in mediation and/or an administrative (due process) hearing.