How schools evaluate kids

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• What schools look at

  Once you’ve asked, it's natural to wonder what happens next. Here’s what the school looks at to decide whether your child qualifies.

  Schools may use the same process to evaluate students to see if they need an IEP or a 504 plan. It’s also possible for school districts to use a separate process to evaluate students who may need a 504.

  At a minimum, schools need to look at information from different sources to see if a child qualifies for a 504. The sources may include:

  • Reviewing medical records, such as a diagnosis if your child has one

  • Looking over schoolwork, report cards, and other performance data

  • Observing your child in a classroom or other school setting

  • Talking with you, your child’s teacher, or other school staff

  The process that schools use to evaluate kids for 504 plans may differ from district to district. But all school districts must have a written policy that looks at a mix of information about a student from several sources.

• If your child has a medical diagnosis

  Many families ask for a 504 plan after their child has been diagnosed by a health care provider. Having a diagnosis may be helpful, but the school still needs to look at other sources of information about your child.

  The medical diagnosis can be one source. Other sources might include teacher recommendations and test scores.

• If your child needs special testing

  It’s common for schools to do a full or comprehensive evaluation to see if a child qualifies for an IEP or a 504. You may hear this called an “evaluation for special education.”

  A few key things to know about this kind of evaluation:

  • The school may reach out and suggest evaluating your child.

  • It’s also common for families to ask for this kind of evaluation. You have the right to request one at any time.

  • An evaluation for special education is free for families.

  • It can end with your child qualifying for an IEP or a 504 — or neither.

  You can learn more about free school-based evaluations in our IEP Guide for Parents.