What happens during a special education evaluation under IDEA?

What the school is trying to determine

The initial evaluation has two core purposes: determine whether the child is a child with a disability under IDEA and identify the child’s educational needs. The evaluation is not supposed to be a one-test screening exercise.

What information can be used

IDEA requires a variety of assessment tools and strategies. This can include standardized assessment, classroom information, observations, academic data, functional information, developmental information, parent input and information from related-service providers. The child must be assessed in all areas related to the suspected disability.

What happens after testing

A group of qualified professionals and the parent determine eligibility. The parent must receive a copy of the evaluation report and documentation of the eligibility determination. If the child is eligible, the IEP process addresses the child’s needs and services.

If you disagree with the evaluation

Parents have a right under IDEA to obtain an independent educational evaluation (IEE), subject to the federal rules. When a parent requests an IEE at public expense because they disagree with the public agency’s evaluation, the agency must, without unnecessary delay, either file due process to show its evaluation was appropriate or ensure an IEE is provided at public expense, subject to applicable criteria.