Evaluation
Assessments & EvaluationsDefinition
The process of gathering information to determine whether a child has a disability and needs special education services. An evaluation must use a variety of assessment tools and strategies, cannot rely on a single measure, must be administered by trained professionals, and must assess all areas of suspected disability.
Have questions about Evaluation?
Upload your child's IEP and ask the AI how Evaluation applies to your specific situation — with citations from your state's laws.
Ask the AI About EvaluationState-Specific Notes
Must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of receiving parental consent.
Must complete the initial evaluation within 90 calendar days of referral.
Must complete the initial evaluation within 30 school days of receiving consent.
Called a "Full Individual and Initial Evaluation" (FIIE). Must complete within 45 school days of consent.
Laws vary by state. IEP Advocate.ai provides state-specific legal guidance for all 50 states.
Featured in Cheat Sheets
Related Articles
Wondering if you have enough information to secure an IEP for your child? Learn about the evaluation process, documentation requirements, and effective school communication to ensure your child gets the services they need.
Learn how to effectively request a dyslexia evaluation for your child with our step-by-step guide, ensuring your concerns are formally recognized by the school.
Unlock the mysteries of your child's psycho-educational evaluation report and learn how to advocate effectively for their IEP in our latest guide!
Related Terms
A document that summarizes evaluation findings and determines whether a student qualifies for special education services under IDEA. The report must identify whether the student has a disability under one of the 13 IDEA categories and whether that disability adversely affects educational performance, requiring specially designed instruction. States use various names for this document including ETR (Ohio), FIE (Texas), and MET Report (Michigan).
A test that is administered and scored in a consistent manner across all test-takers. Standardized assessments use norm-referenced scores to compare a child's performance to a large sample of same-age peers. Common types include IQ tests, achievement tests, and adaptive behavior scales.
The requirement that parents must agree in writing before the school can conduct an initial evaluation, begin providing special education services, or re-evaluate their child. Consent is informed — parents must be told in their native language what the school is proposing and that they have the right to refuse.
More in Assessments & Evaluations
Navigate the IEP process with confidence
IEP Advocate.ai uses AI to help you understand your child's documents, know your rights, and prepare for IEP meetings — backed by your state's laws.
Start Your Free Trial