How do I request a special education evaluation?

Quick answer

Any parent can request an initial special education evaluation in writing when they suspect their child has a disability and may need special education. The school cannot require you to wait through RTI or MTSS first. After your request, the school must either get your consent to evaluate or give you prior written notice explaining why it refuses.

What this means for parents

A written request starts the clock and creates a record. Verbal conversations help, but they are harder to prove later.

• Put your request in writing with the date, your child's name, your concerns, and the areas you want evaluated, such as reading, writing, math, speech, behavior, or attention.
• The school must either seek your consent for an evaluation or refuse in writing through prior written notice.
• You do not need a doctor's diagnosis before requesting evaluation. Your concerns as a parent are enough to trigger the school's duty to respond.
• If the school already has reason to suspect a disability, Child Find may require evaluation even without your request.
• Keep a copy of your request and note how you delivered it, such as email, parent portal, or hand delivery with a date stamp.

What to ask after you request evaluation

Use these questions once the school acknowledges your request.

1. Did you receive my evaluation request, and what is the date you logged it?
2. Will the school seek my consent to evaluate, or is it refusing? If refusing, when will I receive prior written notice?
3. What areas will the evaluation cover based on my concerns and the school's data?
4. Who is the contact person for evaluation, and what is the expected timeline under state rules?
5. What existing records, such as report cards, RTI data, or discipline logs, will the team review?

Simple parent script

Common mistakes to avoid

• Making the request only by phone or in person without a dated written record.
• Waiting months for the school to act when you already suspect a disability.
• Assuming good grades or passing status mean evaluation is unnecessary.
• Accepting a verbal refusal without asking for prior written notice.
• Narrowing your request to one subject when struggles appear in several areas.

When to get more help

Consider getting help when the school ignores your written request, tells you to complete RTI first without responding to the evaluation request, refuses evaluation without clear reasons, or you need help deciding which evaluation areas to request.