Chapter 3: Referral/Request for Evaluation
Taking the First Step Toward Special Education
Who is this for? This chapter is for parents who are considering asking for a formal evaluation of their child (testing to determine if the child has a disability) or who have received a request from the school to have their child evaluated.
Why is this important? In order for a child to receive special education services, he or she must first be evaluated. A referral from the school or a request for formal evaluation from a parent sets into motion a host of legal obligations and procedures required by IDEA. This chapter outlines what will happen when either a parent or school district requests an evaluation. It is important for parents to understand their rights and options during this process. If an evaluation is conducted by the school, there is no cost to the parent.
What can parents do? Parents can be prepared to participate in the referral and evaluation process. An important first step is learning how to organize concerns by keeping detailed records and then sharing relevant information during formal communication with the school. Parents can also learn more about the common signs of learning disabilities.
Words and Terms to Know
Child find: Ongoing activities undertaken by states and local school districts to locate, identify, and evaluate all children residing in the state who are suspected of having disabilities so that a free appropriate public education (FAPE) can be made available to all eligible children, including all children in public and private schools, including religious schools.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): Special education and related services that are provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge to the parent, and that meet the standards of the state education department. Special education and related services must be provided in conformity with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as required by IDEA.
Informed consent: Procedure to ensure that the parent:
- Has been fully informed of all information related to the proposed activity (in his native language, or other mode of communication)
- Understands and agrees in writing to carrying out the activity
for which his consent is sought
- Understands that giving consent is voluntary and may be revoked
at any time
- Understands that revoking consent will not apply to an activity
that has already occurred.
Informed consent is required for an evaluation, a reevaluation and for the initial delivery of special education services.
Note: The IDEA Parent Guide was created to provide a basic understanding of the key requirements of the federal law under IDEA. The information presented here is not legal advice and should not be used as a legal resource.
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