The Special Education Evaluation Process Explained for Parents | The IDEA Ally
- Allison Meyerson
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Evaluation Process Demystified (Part 3 of 5)
“Once I sign this form… what actually happens?”
If you’ve ever stared at a consent form and felt your stomach drop, you’re not alone.
The word evaluation sounds so clinical—like you’re handing your child over to a panel of clipboard-wielding experts who will rate their every move. But what’s really happening is far less dramatic:
A group of professionals is gathering data to help your child succeed.
An evaluation isn’t a judgment—it’s a snapshot of your child’s learning profile.And once you understand the process, it becomes far less scary (and maybe even a little empowering).
💡 Step 1: Requesting an Evaluation
Here’s the good news: you don’t need permission to ask for one.
In most states (including New York and New Jersey), parents can submit a written request directly to the school district asking for a full educational evaluation.
If the words formal referral under IDEA sound intimidating—don’t worry. You’re basically just saying, “Hey, I’ve noticed some ongoing struggles and would like more information.”
✉️ Sample Language
Dear [Director of Special Education / Principal / Case Manager],
I am requesting a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether my child, [Child’s Name], may be eligible for special education services under IDEA. I have observed ongoing difficulties in [specific areas—reading, writing, attention, social skills, etc.].
Please consider this letter my formal referral for evaluation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. I look forward to collaborating on next steps.
Sincerely,[Your Name]
(Download the full customizable version at the end of this post!)
Once the school receives your written request, the clock starts ticking:
New York: 10 school days to respond
New Jersey: 20 school days to respond
They’ll either agree to evaluate or explain why they believe it isn’t warranted.(Translation: no more “we’ll just monitor for a while.”)
🧩 Step 2: The Evaluation Plan
If approved, you’ll receive a list of assessments. It might look like alphabet soup, but here’s what those tests usually mean:
Area | Examples of Evaluations |
Academic | Woodcock-Johnson, WIAT, KTEA |
Cognitive | WISC-V, DAS-II |
Speech & Language | CELF, GFTA |
Motor Skills | OT/PT assessments |
Social/Emotional | Behavior Rating Scales, Interviews |
Reading-Specific | CTOPP, TOWRE, GORT |
You can (and should!) ask questions:
Which areas are being tested—and why?
Who will conduct the assessments?
Will I get copies of the reports before the meeting?
💡 Pro tip: You can request additional areas—like dyslexia, ADHD, or executive functioning—if your child’s challenges point that way. It’s not “extra”; it’s thorough.
🕰 Step 3: The Timelines
Under IDEA, there are clear timelines (and no, “We’re short-staffed” doesn’t pause the clock):
New York: 60 calendar days from signed consent
New Jersey: 90 days from signed consent
That includes testing, scoring, report writing, and the official eligibility meeting (often called a CSE or IEP meeting).
If someone hints that it might take longer, you can calmly say:
“IDEA requires evaluations to be completed within 60 days of consent. I’m looking forward to seeing the results within that window.”
It’s polite, factual, and gently lets them know you’ve done your homework.
📊 Step 4: Reviewing the Results
When the evaluations are done, you’ll receive copies of all reports. Ask for them at least a few days before the meeting so you can read, highlight, and jot down questions.
When reviewing, focus on patterns, not percentages:
Are there consistent strengths or weaknesses across tests?
What do the findings say about how your child learns best?
Are the recommendations practical or vague?
If you find yourself lost in a sea of numbers (and acronyms that sound like Wi-Fi passwords), take a breath. You can always ask for help interpreting them—this is exactly what The IDEA Ally is here for.
🪞 Step 5: The Eligibility Meeting
This is the big one—the meeting where the team (including you) reviews the results and decides whether your child qualifies for services.
💡 If your child is in preschool (ages 3–5):They’re usually classified simply as a “Preschool Student with a Disability.
”At this stage, there aren’t separate categories like “speech/language impairment” or “specific learning disability.” The focus is on identifying any developmental delays that require specially designed instruction or related services (like speech, OT, or PT).
💡 If your child is school-age (5+):Qualification categories expand to include things like:
Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
Speech/Language Impairment (SLI)
Other Health Impairment (OHI)
Autism, Emotional Disability, etc.
Even if your child doesn’t qualify for an IEP, you can still ask about a 504 Plan or Response to Intervention (RTI) supports.
💙 Remember: You are an equal member of this team. You can bring a support person, ask for time to think before signing, or say, “I’d like to review this section again.”
🧾 Free Resource: Parent Evaluation Request Letter Template
Download my editable Parent Evaluation Request Letter.
🌸 Encouragement Corner
You’re not starting a fight—you’re starting a conversation.
Requesting an evaluation isn’t about finding out what’s “wrong” with your child. It’s about discovering what’s right—and how to teach in a way that helps them shine.
More data means fewer assumptions. And fewer assumptions mean better support.
That’s the heart of early identification: turning worry into wisdom. 💙
✨ What’s Coming Next
In Part 4: Acting Early—Getting Support at Home and at School, we’ll explore what to do once you have the results—how to start interventions, collaborate with teachers, and advocate without burning bridges (or your patience).
💙 Advocacy with Heart,
Allison – The IDEA Ally
Helpful add-ons (free tools)
Next Steps and Resources:
The following websites are incredibly helpful when navigating the Special Education world. · www.wrightslaw.com
Need help personalizing your letter or planning next steps? I offer one-on-one support—virtual anywhere in the U.S. and in-person across NY/NJ. Work with me.
About the Author
Allison Rosenberg Meyerson is a special education advocate with 30+ years in the classroom and as a literacy specialist. She is Orton-Gillingham Certified, a COPAA SEAT 1.0 graduate, and a Dyslexia Advocate. Based in Warwick, NY, she supports families across NY, NJ, and virtually nationwide through The IDEA Ally.
Contact:
Website www.TheIDEAAlly.com
Email Allison@theideaally.com
Comments