Preparing for the evaluation

Learn

• Evaluations take time and many steps

  Many parents picture an evaluation for special education as one big test on one day. In reality, it involves several things that can take weeks or even months to complete. Knowing what’s coming can make the wait feel a little easier.

  Different specialists each look at different parts of how your child learns, which is why this is often called a multidisciplinary evaluation. It usually includes these steps:

  • Agreeing on the evaluation plan. The school explains what it wants to assess. It can’t start until you give written permission.

  • Gathering records. The team looks at information the school already has, like test scores and discipline records.

  • Filling out questionnaires. You and your child’s teachers answer questions to help the team see how your child is doing at school and at home.

  • Testing with a psychologist. This shows how your child thinks, learns, and solves problems.

  • Testing with at least one other specialist. Depending on your child’s needs, this could include someone who specializes in areas like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy.

  • Observing your child at school. Someone watches your child in class or another school setting.

  • Meeting to talk about results. The team goes over what they found and decides whether your child qualifies for an IEP. You’re part of this meeting.

• Ask questions before you consent

  You don't have to sign the consent form right away. The evaluation can't start until you agree, so take time to ask questions first.

  Here are some questions you may want to ask:

  • Are these tests the right ones to figure out if my child has XYZ?

  • What does each test measure?

  • Is there a specific purpose for the classroom observation?

  • Will the observation be done during a class that my child is struggling in?

  • What are the evaluator’s credentials and experience?

• Deadlines the school has to meet

  Waiting for evaluation results can feel like it takes forever. The good news is that the law gives the school deadlines.

  • 60 days to finish the evaluation. Federal law gives the school 60 calendar days to complete the testing and issue an evaluation report. The clock starts on the day you give written permission. Some states set a different deadline, so check your state’s rules.

  • 30 days to hold a meeting. After the evaluation report is issued, IDEA allows for another 30 days for the team to meet to discuss eligibility and write an IEP for an eligible student.

  Write down the date you signed the permission form. If a deadline is coming up and you haven’t heard anything, it’s OK to reach out to the school and ask where things stand.

• Talk to your child about the process

  It can be hard to know how to explain an evaluation without worrying your child. Instead of the word “evaluation,” you may want to talk to your child about taking a “closer look” at their strengths and challenges.

  Here are some other phrases to consider:

  • With all kids: “We’re starting this process because I’ve noticed you’re struggling with [XYZ], and I want to know how to support you better.”

  • With older kids: “We’re looking at how your brain works and where we can help in places that are harder for you.”

  • With younger kids: “You’re going to be doing some activities. Some of them may be familiar, and some may be new to you.”