When a child struggles in school, parents and teachers may wonder if a learning disability or developmental delay is involved. This is where special education evaluations come in. A formal evaluation is the first step to determining whether a child is eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Why is written communication important?
A written request for an evaluation is not only professional but also ensures there’s a record of your concerns. IDEA requires schools to respond to written requests within specific timelines, ensuring the process begins promptly.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to recognize when an evaluation might be needed, how to craft a compelling request letter, and what steps follow the request. We’ll also provide sample letters and resources to guide you along the way.
When to Request an Evaluation
Identifying Struggles in School
Children show signs in different ways when they’re facing difficulties in school. These could include:
- Consistently low academic performance despite effort.
- Behavioral challenges like frequent outbursts or inattentiveness.
- Difficulty following instructions or completing assignments on time.
- Social challenges, such as difficulty interacting with peers.
Did you know? Schools also have a responsibility under IDEA to identify students who might need special education services, a concept called “Child Find.” If you notice your child struggling, don’t hesitate to initiate the conversation—your written request can complement the school’s observations.
Incorporating Professional Diagnoses
If your child already has a diagnosis from a healthcare provider or therapist (e.g., ADHD, autism, or dyslexia), it’s essential to reference these findings in your request letter. Here’s how:
- Attach a copy of the professional’s report to your letter.
- Highlight specific recommendations from the report that align with school-related challenges.
- Clearly explain how the diagnosis impacts your child’s ability to learn or function in a classroom setting.
Providing this information ensures that the evaluation team has a comprehensive understanding of your child’s needs.
Tips for Writing an Effective Request Letter
Key Components to Include
To write a strong request letter, make sure it contains these elements:
- Basic Information:
Include the date, your contact information, your child’s full name, their grade, and their teacher’s name. - Clear Request:
State explicitly that you are requesting a special education evaluation for your child under IDEA. - Reasons for the Request:
Be specific about your concerns. For example:- “My child struggles with reading comprehension and often fails to finish assignments in class.”
- “Despite additional support at home, my child shows significant delays in math skills compared to peers.”
- Prior Attempts to Address Concerns:
Mention any steps you’ve already taken, such as meetings with teachers or trying classroom accommodations.
Structuring the Letter
When crafting your letter:
- Stay Professional:
Use clear, neutral language. Avoid blaming the school or specific staff members. - Be Concise:
Stick to the facts. Long-winded letters can dilute your message. - End with a Call-to-Action:
Politely request a timely response and offer to meet with the school to discuss the evaluation process.
Editing and Reviewing Your Letter
Before sending your letter:
- Proofread for grammar and clarity.
- Ask a trusted friend, advocate, or family member to review it for tone and completeness.
- Keep a copy of the letter for your records and send it via certified mail to ensure delivery.
Sample Letter for Requesting an Evaluation Requests
Here are sample letters based on expert recommendations and resources.
Basic Model Letter
Use this letter if your request is straightforward and focuses on academic struggles:
plaintext
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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request a comprehensive evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], who is currently in [Grade] at [Teacher’s Name] class. I am concerned about their [specific challenges, e.g., difficulty with reading comprehension, attention span, or behavioral outbursts], which have been ongoing despite efforts to provide additional support at home.
Based on these concerns, I believe [Child’s Name] may benefit from special education services. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), I am requesting an evaluation to determine their eligibility.
I would appreciate a written response to this request within the legally required timeline. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you need additional information.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Advanced Model Letter with Professional Input
Use this letter if your child has an external diagnosis:
plaintext
Copy code
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to request a special education evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], who is in [Grade] at [Teacher’s Name] class. [Child’s Name] has been diagnosed with [specific diagnosis] by [Provider’s Name/Organization], and I have attached the relevant documentation for your review.
This diagnosis has significantly impacted their ability to succeed in school, particularly in areas such as [specific areas, e.g., maintaining focus, completing tasks, or reading comprehension]. Despite prior interventions, such as [list accommodations or strategies], [Child’s Name] continues to struggle.
Under IDEA, I am requesting a comprehensive evaluation to determine their eligibility for special education services. Please let me know if further documentation is needed, and feel free to contact me at [Your Contact Information].
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Understanding the Evaluation Process
Steps After Submitting the Request
After submitting your request, here’s what happens:
- Acknowledgment: The school must acknowledge your request, usually within 15 days.
- Consent Forms: You’ll be asked to sign a consent form before the evaluation begins.
- Evaluation Timeline: Schools typically have 60 days to complete the evaluation once you give consent.
Evaluation Steps
- The evaluation team will assess:
- Academic skills.
- Behavioral functioning.
- Cognitive abilities.
- Social and emotional skills.
- After the evaluation, you’ll receive an Educational Evaluation Report (EER), which details the findings and eligibility decision.
Conclusion
Requesting a special education evaluation can feel intimidating, but a well-crafted letter is a powerful tool to advocate for your child. By following the tips in this blog and using the provided sample letters, you can take the first step toward ensuring your child gets the support they need.
Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. Writing a clear and professional request is just the beginning of working with the school to create a successful educational journey.
