What is a reevaluation for special education?
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/p0qf7j048i0q/796AB221FFCD4BB29D3970718A0655C9/928986bc7ca2d3482d0b3be24cd1b8db/Amanda_Morin.jpg?w=3840&q=75&h=3840&fm=webp)
By Amanda Morin
Expert reviewed by Lindsay Jones, JD
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/p0qf7j048i0q/4vM4WByxf6xPusAWuR274o/d670082f0d953506bffc6aa6f732bbe0/G1289433554.png?w=3840&q=75&h=3840&fm=webp)
At a glance
A reevaluation isn’t the same as the annual review of your child’s IEP.
There are two types of reevaluations: a triennial reevaluation and a parent- or teacher-requested reevaluation.
The goal is to determine if a student’s needs have changed.
If your student has an , you’re probably familiar with the school evaluation process. The results helped determine eligibility for special education. But what is a reevaluation for special education?
It’s an evaluation that happens after that first evaluation. It’s not the same as the annual review of an IEP or just additional testing. A reevaluation is a full-fledged look at a student’s needs. There are two types of reevaluations:
Triennial reevaluation (three-year review)
Parent- or teacher-requested reevaluation
Unlike with an initial evaluation, a triennial reevaluation doesn’t have to be specifically requested. That’s because it’s required by law to happen. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to reevaluate kids with IEPs at least once every three years.
The purpose of the triennial reevaluation is to see if a student’s needs have changed. It’s also to see if they still qualify for special education services.
However, families and teachers may want a reevaluation at another time, or before the three-year mark. Under IDEA, a student may be evaluated only once per year. That leaves room for families or schools to request a new evaluation if new information is needed before the triennial reevaluation.
Just like an initial evaluation, a reevaluation is an involved process. It takes time and effort from you, the student, and school staff. Before starting, it’s important to think carefully about why it’s needed. You can ask school staff for their thoughts and advice. You’ll also want to think through how to explain a reevaluation to kids.
Learn how to request an evaluation.
Dive deeper
Is a triennial review necessary?
If the school doesn’t initiate a conversation about a triennial evaluation, speak to the IEP case manager about it. Parents and schools can agree in writing not to do a triennial reevaluation. If after reviewing records and progress, the IEP team decides there’s already enough data to support continued services and set goals, a reevaluation may not be needed.
Keep in mind, though, that three years is a long time. Even if it’s clear a student is still eligible for services, their needs and abilities may have changed. A reevaluation can give the IEP team more information about what to include in an IEP.
A common concern about reevaluation
Sometimes, parents don’t want triennial testing because they worry it may be used to take away a student’s IEP. That’s a real concern. But keep in mind that a student can’t lose services without data to back up that they’re no longer needed. Families also have the right to disagree with a decision to remove services.
A school can’t reevaluate a student if parents state in writing that they don’t want the reevaluation. But the school can request a due process hearing if it thinks testing is necessary. The hearing officer would then decide how to proceed.
Reasons to request a reevaluation
A reevaluation can give the IEP team more information. For example, maybe a student with ADHD has accommodations to help them focus, but their impulsive behavior is also causing disruptions in the classroom. If a behavior assessment wasn’t part of the original evaluation, a reevaluation may be needed.
Some other reasons to reevaluate:
New areas of concern became clearer once a student got support.
The information from a previous evaluation didn’t address all the areas it needed to.
A student wasn’t originally found eligible but is still struggling.
Learn more about eligibility requirements for special education.
Reevaluations and heading to college
To get accommodations and support in college, most college disability services offices require that students have been evaluated recently. This typically means no more than one or two years ago. If the last evaluation was years ago, it’s a good idea to ask for a reevaluation before a student leaves for college. You may also want to ask the college how recent an evaluation needs to be.
A reevaluation in high school can also provide helpful information for an IEP transition plan.