The Complete Guide to IEP Evaluations

~2500 words · 10 min read

If you've expressed concerns about your child's learning and the school has agreed to evaluate, you're about to enter one of the most important processes in special education. The evaluation determines whether your child qualifies for an IEP — and what services they will receive.

What Is an IEP Evaluation?

An IEP evaluation (also called a special education evaluation or a multidisciplinary evaluation) is a comprehensive assessment of your child's strengths and needs. Its purpose is to determine two things:

1. 1Does your child have a disability that qualifies under IDEA?
2. 2Does that disability affect their educational performance such that they need specialized instruction?

If the answer to both is yes, the school must develop an IEP.

How to Request an Evaluation

Written request

Send a written request to the school district's special education director or your child's principal. This starts the legal timeline.

What to include:

• Your child's name and date of birth
• The specific concerns you have
• Any diagnoses or medical documentation
• Your signature and date

What happens if the school refuses?

If the school denies your evaluation request, they must provide Prior Written Notice (PWN) explaining why, including the data or reason for the denial. You have the right to challenge this decision.

The Evaluation Timeline

Under IDEA, the school must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of receiving your written consent — or within the timeline set by your state, whichever is shorter.

⚠️ Some states have shorter timelines. California requires completion within 60 days. Texas allows 45 school days. Check your state's special education code.

What the Evaluation Includes

A comprehensive evaluation must assess all areas of suspected disability. It cannot rely on a single test or observation.

• Cognitive assessment (IQ): Measures intellectual abilities
• Academic achievement testing: Reading, writing, math skills
• Speech-language evaluation: Communication skills
• Occupational therapy evaluation: Fine motor skills, sensory processing
• Social-emotional assessment: Behavior, emotional functioning
• Functional behavior assessment (FBA): If behavior is a concern
• Classroom observation: How your child functions in their learning environment
• Parent interview and input: Your observations matter
• Teacher input: Classroom performance data
• Medical and developmental history: Background information

The 13 Disability Categories Under IDEA

To qualify for an IEP, your child must have one or more of these disabilities:

1. 1Specific Learning Disability (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia)
2. 2Speech or Language Impairment
3. 3Autism Spectrum Disorder
4. 4Emotional Disturbance
5. 5Other Health Impairment (ADHD, anxiety, diabetes)
6. 6Intellectual Disability
7. 7Hearing Impairment
8. 8Visual Impairment
9. 9Orthopedic Impairment
10. 10Traumatic Brain Injury
11. 11Multiple Disabilities
12. 12Deaf-Blindness
13. 13Developmental Delay (ages 3-9, state-dependent)

What If You Disagree With the Evaluation?

You have strong rights if you disagree with the school's evaluation.

Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

If you believe the school's evaluation was incomplete or inaccurate, you can request an IEE at public expense. This means an independent professional — not employed by the district — conducts a new evaluation.

• The school must either grant the IEE or file for due process to defend their evaluation
• You are not limited to the school's list of approved evaluators
• The IEE must be considered by the IEP team
• You can request this at any time, even years later

Submit written disagreement

Put your concerns in writing. The school must document and respond to your disagreement. This creates a paper trail that is valuable if you need to escalate.

Preparing for the Eligibility Meeting

After the evaluation is complete, the IEP team meets to determine eligibility. Come prepared:

• Review the evaluation report before the meeting — upload it to Solvia for a plain-English explanation
• Make a list of your concerns and questions
• Bring an advocate or support person — you have the right to bring anyone
• Request copies of all evaluation data at least 5 days before the meeting
• Submit your concerns in writing before the meeting so they become part of the record

🟢Educational guidance This guide is for educational purposes. For specific legal advice, consult a licensed special education advocate or attorney in your state.