Understanding the Special Education Evaluation Process
To qualify for special education services, a student must meet two criteria: they must have a documented disability and a demonstrated need for specially designed instruction.
Per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every evaluation must be non-discriminatory, comprehensive, and conducted by a multidisciplinary team of experts. We never rely on a single data point; instead, we look at the whole child through various lenses.
What Does an Evaluation Measure?
Most students undergo a mix of formal and informal assessments to provide a complete picture of their strengths and needs, including:
- Cognitive Abilities: Understanding, intelligence, and processing.
- Academic Skills: Measuring current achievement levels.
- Social & Emotional Competence: Assessing behavior and mental well-being.
- Communication Skills: Reviewing speech and language.
- Physical & Medical Status: Checking general health and physical development.
Beyond testing, the team incorporates feedback from parents and teachers, results from state and school-based assessments, and direct classroom observations.
A Note on Private Evaluations
While parents may choose to seek a private evaluation, these are often conducted by a single professional rather than a multidisciplinary team and may lack vital classroom context.
The ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) Committee is legally required to consider private evaluations, but if the report lacks the necessary depth for school-based programming, the committee may recommend further district evaluations.
How to Request an Evaluation
If you believe your child may need special education services, the process begins with a conversation:
- Contact the Teacher: Reach out to your child’s teacher to share your concerns.
- Initial Meeting: A meeting will be scheduled to discuss support strategies and determine if a formal referral is necessary.
- Provide Consent: If a referral is made, the district has 45 school days to complete the evaluation once your written consent is received.
You may also contact your campus administrator or the Special Education Director directly to start this process.