Special education reevaluation under IDEA: what parents should know

When a reevaluation happens

IDEA requires a public agency to ensure a reevaluation when it determines that the child's educational or related-service needs warrant one, or when the child's parent or teacher requests one. Reevaluation is not limited to checking whether a disability label still applies; it can also examine current needs and whether services or supports should change.

Federal timing baseline

A reevaluation may occur not more than once a year unless the parent and public agency agree otherwise. It must occur at least once every three years unless the parent and public agency agree that a reevaluation is unnecessary. States may have additional procedures, so families should also review state rules.

Review of existing data

As part of the reevaluation process, the IEP Team and other qualified professionals review existing evaluation data, classroom assessments and observations, information from parents, and observations from teachers and service providers. They then identify what additional data, if any, are needed.

Questions parents can ask

Parents can ask what questions the reevaluation is intended to answer, which suspected areas will be assessed, what existing data will be reviewed, whether additional testing is needed, and how the results may affect eligibility, goals, services or placement. If you disagree with an agency evaluation, separate IEE rights may apply.