What do parents need to know about school evaluations?

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School Evaluations: What Parents Need to Know

If your child has a disability, a school evaluation is the first big step in understanding what they need — and getting them the right support. The following is a simple guide to how the process works:

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1. What’s the Purpose of a School Evaluation?

A school evaluation helps answer key questions:

• Does my child have a disability?

• What kind of help do they need to succeed in school?

• Do they qualify for services under IDEA or Section 504?

 

2. Types of Evaluations

• Initial Evaluation – Checks if your child is eligible for special education.

• Reevaluation – Happens every 3 years or sooner if needed.

• Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) – You can request one at the school’s expense if you disagree with their results.

 

3. Your Consent Is Required

• The school must ask your permission before evaluating your child.

• You can agree to some parts and say no to others.

 

4. What’s in an Evaluation?

Evaluations may look at:

• Learning and academic skills

• Thinking and memory (IQ)

• Behavior and emotions

• Speech and language

• Physical or motor skills

• Social skills

• Health or medical history (if needed)

 

5. Timelines Matter

• Most schools must finish the evaluation within 60 days after you give consent.

• Keep track of dates — follow up if needed.

 

6. Who Does the Evaluation?

A team of professionals, such as:

• A school psychologist

• Special education teachers

• Speech or occupational therapists
  And you, the parent, are part of the team too.

 

7. Student Assessment Tests used in evaluations

Standardized Intelligence Tests

These tests measure general intellectual ability (IQ) across age groups.

• Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V)
  For ages 6–16. Provides a Full Scale IQ score.

• Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI)
  Designed for children aged 2½ to 7 years, 7 months.

• Woodcock–Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJ IV)
  Suitable for ages 2 through adulthood. Measures a broad range of cognitive abilities.

 

Non-Verbal Intelligence Tests

Ideal for students with language or hearing impairments, these tests do not require speaking, reading, or writing.

• Comprehensive Test of Nonverbal Intelligence (CTONI)
  Language-free test for children and adults. Can be administered individually or in small groups in about 15 minutes.

• Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test (UNIT)
  For ages 5–17. Uses hand/body gestures instead of verbal responses. Offers Abbreviated, Standard, and Extended testing options. Suitable for deaf and hearing-impaired students.

 

8. The Evaluation Report

After testing, you’ll get a written report with:

• A summary of results

• Clear, easy-to-understand language

• No cost to you

 

9. Eligibility and Services

Next comes a meeting to decide:

• Does your child qualify for an IEP or 504 Plan?

• If yes, the team (including you!) creates a support plan with services and goals.

 

10. What If You Don’t Agree?

You can:

• Ask for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). The school district isn't required by law to accept an independent evaluation or use the info to create/update the child's IEP.

• Request mediation or due process

• File a complaint with your state education agency

 

11. Know Your Rights

As a parent, you have legal rights:

• Be part of every decision

• Access all records about your child

• Challenge school decisions

• Get all information in your preferred language

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​Need help writing a letter? 

Click on sample letter requesting an evaluation.

Click on sample letter requesting a re-evaluation.

Click on sample letter requesting an independent evaluation.

​How to Respond When School Reduces or Denies Services

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Re-evaluations come with some unique rules and

considerations that go beyond initial evaluations.