When a parent or their staff submits an evaluation request, the district must respond within 15 days with a denial or an assessment plan. If the district refuse to test your child, respond in writing letting them know they must instead evaluate your child, preferably quoting state and federal statutes to support your argument.
What if the school district agrees to the evaluation request?
Some schools make a genuine effort to test in all suspected areas of disability. Others do a much less thorough job. You should start by carefully reading the school district’s assessment plan prior to signing it. If they are missing key areas, request those key areas right on the assessment form. If the school offers a simple screening of the student’s progress, this is not an assessment.
What could go wrong in the evaluation request or what comes after?
Schools are on a tight budget, and our children’s needed supports cost them money. That means there is an inherent conflict of interest in them testing our children and proposing appropriate services. Often, we find IEPs that support the services the school is willing to offer or minimize the child’s disabilities so the school does not have to provide services. If the assessments they write are not a complete picture of your child, then you may wish to seek an outside evaluation in order to get necessary supports for your child.
Do not give up on your evaluation request.
Some schools (and many other agencies that provide services to our children) have deliberate processes in place to make parents stop trying. It is part of how they meet their budget goals. If they say, “NO!” often enough, many parents will stop trying. Stay calm, remember the rules, and put everything in writing. Make sure the school also puts everything in writing so you have a document trail.
For help at your child’s next IEP meeting, more information about special education advocacy services, or a FREE 20-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for you, call or fill out our contact form.
As parents, we understand. As advocates, we can help.