What should you do if you notice that your child is struggling academically, socially, or behaviorally? Could there be something more going on? If you suspect your child may have a disability that’s affecting their learning or behavior, it’s essential to advocate for special education evaluation.
Taking action ensures your child gets the support they need to thrive.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), school districts are legally required to identify and evaluate students who may have disabilities and need special education
services. Here’s a breakdown of when a school district must conduct an evaluation:
1. When a Parent or Guardian Requests an Evaluation
As a parent, you have the right to request an evaluation if you believe your child may have a disability impacting their education. This request should be made in writing to your child’s school. Once submitted, the school is required to:
Agree to conduct the evaluation and seek your consent, or
Provide a written explanation for why they are denying the request.
Schools cannot ignore your request. If they deny it, they must explain their reasoning in detail.
2. When School Staff Identifies Concerns
Teachers or other school staff may notice that a student is struggling in class, having behavioral issues, or not engaging socially. If they believe these challenges may be due to a disability, they are required to refer the student for an evaluation. School staff are trained to recognize signs of various disabilities, such as:
Learning disorders
Speech or language impairments
Emotional or behavioral difficulties
This referral helps ensure that students with potential disabilities are not overlooked. Your child’s teacher can be a valuable ally in getting your child the support they need.
3. When a Child Isn’t Making Adequate Progress Despite Interventions
Many schools implement programs like Response to Intervention (RTI) or Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to help students who are falling behind. These programs offer extra help through targeted interventions. However, if a child isn’t making enough progress despite these supports, it may be time for a formal evaluation to determine if there is an underlying disability affecting their learning.
An evaluation at this stage ensures the child gets the right services and support to succeed.
4. When Behavior Suggests a Disability
Sometimes, a child’s behavior might interfere with their ability to succeed in school or cause disruptions in the classroom. In such cases, the school may need to evaluate the child to
determine if the behavior stems from a condition like:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Emotional disturbances
Autism spectrum disorder or other conditions
Behavioral issues can often be signs of deeper learning or developmental challenges. An
evaluation can help identify and address these issues appropriately.
5. When a Student Previously Received Special Education Services and Transfers to a New School
If your child transfers to a new school district and has already been receiving special education services or was in the process of being evaluated, the new school must review the existing data.
They may need to complete the evaluation process to determine if your child continues to qualify for services. It’s crucial to ensure that the transition between schools doesn’t cause a gap in services.
6. When the School Agrees to Reevaluate a Student
For students already receiving special education services, the school is required to conduct a reevaluation at least every three years to ensure they still qualify for services. You should never waive this reevaluation, as it provides valuable data to help your child. A reevaluation may occur sooner if:
You, as the parent, request it, or
The school believes the child’s needs have changed.
This ongoing evaluation process ensures that your child continues to receive the appropriate level of support as their needs evolve.
What Happens Once an Evaluation is Requested?
After an evaluation is requested by either the parent or the school:
The school must get informed parental consent to proceed.
The district typically has 45 to 60 days to complete the evaluation, depending on state
requirements.
The evaluation will be comprehensive, using a variety of assessments to explore all
areas of suspected disability.
As a parent, you should be involved throughout the process, and your input is helpful in determining your child’s needs. Understanding the situations when a school is required to evaluate a student can make all the difference in your child’s educational journey. If you suspect your child may have a disability, don’t hesitate to advocate for an evaluation. Early identification is key to ensuring they receive the right support to succeed in school and beyond.
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