How to Request an IEP Evaluation (Step by Step)

To request an IEP evaluation, you need to submit one thing: a written request to your child's school stating that you are asking for a full and individual evaluation under IDEA. The school must respond within a set timeframe — usually 60 days — and cannot require your child to go through intervention programs first.

This guide walks you through exactly what to write, what happens next, and what to do if the school pushes back.

When to Request an Evaluation

There's no perfect moment — but there are clear signs that it's time to ask:

• Your child is consistently struggling with reading, writing, math, or attention despite classroom support
• Homework takes significantly longer than it should for their grade level
• Your child is falling behind peers academically or socially
• A teacher or specialist has expressed concerns about your child's progress
• Your child has a diagnosis (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, anxiety) that's affecting school performance
• Your child's behavior at school has changed significantly — withdrawal, meltdowns, refusal
• Your child is passing but not thriving — getting by with excessive effort, avoidance, or accommodations you're providing at home

You Have the Right to Request an Evaluation

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), any parent can request a special education evaluation for their child at any time. This is a federal right.

You don't need:

• A teacher's recommendation
• A doctor's referral
• The principal's approval
• Your child to first go through RTI (Response to Intervention) or MTSS

That last one is important. Some schools will tell you your child needs to "go through the RTI process first" before they can be evaluated. This is not true. While RTI data can be helpful, IDEA is clear: a school cannot use RTI to delay or deny your right to request an evaluation (34 CFR 300.307).

How to Request: Put It in Writing

The most important thing you can do is put your request in writing. Email is ideal — it's timestamped, searchable, and can't be lost in someone's inbox.

Send your request to:

• Your child's school principal
• The special education coordinator or director
• Or both (CC both to be safe)

Your letter doesn't need to be long or formal. It needs to be clear.

Sample Evaluation Request Letter

Here's a template you can copy, customize, and send today:

Subject: Request for Special Education Evaluation — [Child's Name]

Dear [Principal's Name / Special Education Coordinator],

I am writing to formally request a comprehensive special education evaluation for my child, [Child's Full Name], who is in [grade] at [school name].

I am concerned about [his/her/their] progress in [specific areas — reading, writing, math, attention, social skills, behavior, etc.]. Specifically, I have noticed [2-3 specific observations — e.g., "difficulty completing grade-level reading assignments," "frequent meltdowns during homework," "falling behind peers in math despite extra help"].

I am requesting this evaluation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to determine whether [Child's Name] has a disability that requires specially designed instruction and/or related services.

I understand the school has [15/30 days — check your state] to respond to this request and I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Phone number]
[Date]

What Happens After You Request

Once the school receives your written request, they must do one of two things:

Option 1: Agree to Evaluate

The school sends you a consent form. This form explains what assessments they plan to conduct. You review it, sign it, and return it. The evaluation timeline starts when you return the signed consent form — not when you first sent the request letter.

Option 2: Refuse to Evaluate

The school decides not to evaluate. But they can't just say "no" verbally. They are legally required to give you Prior Written Notice (PWN) — a formal document explaining:

• What they're refusing to do
• Why they're refusing
• What data or evidence they used to make that decision
• What other options they considered
• Your rights to challenge the decision

If the school refuses without giving you PWN, ask for it: "I'd like Prior Written Notice for this decision." They must provide it.

Evaluation Timelines: How Long Does It Take?

Once you sign the consent form, the clock starts. How long the school has depends on where you live:

Location	Timeline	Citation
Federal (IDEA)	60 calendar days	34 CFR 300.301(c)(1)
New Hampshire	60 calendar days	Ed 1107.01
Massachusetts	30 school working days	603 CMR 28.04(1)

Important: these timelines can be extended if you and the school mutually agree in writing. Don't let the school unilaterally delay without your written consent.

What the Evaluation Actually Covers

A comprehensive evaluation isn't a single test. It's a thorough look at your child across multiple areas:

• Academic achievement — reading, writing, math skills relative to grade level
• Cognitive ability — how your child processes information, solves problems, and learns
• Communication — speech, language, receptive and expressive skills
• Social/emotional — behavior, relationships, emotional regulation
• Motor skills — fine motor (writing, cutting) and gross motor (coordination, balance)
• Adaptive behavior — daily living skills, independence, self-care
• Functional performance — how your child actually operates in the classroom day to day

IDEA requires (34 CFR 300.304) that evaluations:

• Use multiple assessment tools — never a single test
• Are culturally and linguistically appropriate
• Are administered in your child's native language
• Assess all areas of suspected disability
• Include both formal (standardized tests) and informal measures (observations, work samples, teacher input)

Eligibility: What Happens After the Evaluation

Once the evaluation is complete, the IEP team meets to determine two things:

1. Does your child have a disability under one of IDEA's 13 categories?
2. Does that disability affect their education enough to require specially designed instruction?

Both must be true for your child to qualify for an IEP.

The 13 disability categories under IDEA

• Autism
• Deaf-blindness
• Deafness
• Emotional disturbance
• Hearing impairment
• Intellectual disability
• Multiple disabilities
• Orthopedic impairment
• Other health impairment (includes ADHD)
• Specific learning disability (includes dyslexia, dyscalculia)
• Speech or language impairment
• Traumatic brain injury
• Visual impairment (including blindness)

For children ages 3-9, many states also allow eligibility under developmental delay — which doesn't require fitting into a specific category. In New Hampshire, this covers delays in physical, cognitive, communication, social/emotional, or adaptive development (Ed 1108; RSA 186-C).

What if your child qualifies?

The team develops an IEP — an Individualized Education Program that spells out your child's goals, services, accommodations, and placement. You are an equal member of this team.

What if your child doesn't qualify?

You have options:

• Ask for a 504 plan — requires a disability that limits a major life activity (like learning), but doesn't require the same level of educational impact as an IEP
• Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the school's expense if you disagree with the evaluation results (34 CFR 300.502)
• Get a private evaluation and submit the results to the school for consideration
• Request that specific areas be assessed if you believe the evaluation was incomplete

What to Do If the School Says No

If the school refuses your evaluation request, here's your playbook:

1. Get the refusal in writing. Ask for Prior Written Notice (PWN). The school must explain their reasoning, the data they used, and what alternatives they considered.
2. Review the PWN carefully. Does their reasoning hold up? Did they consider all your concerns? Did they look at data beyond just test scores?
3. Respond in writing. If you disagree, send a follow-up email explaining why you still believe an evaluation is warranted. Cite specific examples of your child's struggles.
4. Escalate if needed. You have the right to:
   • Request mediation (free, through your state's department of education)
   • File a state complaint
   • File for a due process hearing

In New Hampshire, you can also request a neutral conference through the Department of Education as an informal first step (RSA 186-C). In Massachusetts, facilitated IEP meetings are available free through the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) at 781-397-4750.

Your Next Steps

1. Send the letter today. Use the template above. Email is fine. Don't wait for the "right time" — there isn't one.
2. Keep a file. Start a folder (digital or physical) for everything related to your child's education: emails, report cards, teacher notes, your own observations.
3. Note the date. The school must respond within a reasonable timeframe. If you haven't heard back within two weeks, follow up in writing.
4. Read the consent form carefully. When it arrives, make sure the evaluation covers all areas of concern. You can request additional areas be assessed.
5. Prepare for the meeting. When the evaluation is done, you'll attend a team meeting to review the results. Bring your questions, your observations, and someone you trust for support.

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Sources

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) — U.S. Department of Education
• 34 CFR Part 300 — IDEA Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations
• 603 CMR 28.00 — Massachusetts Special Education Regulations
• NH Ed 1100 — New Hampshire Standards for Education of Children with Disabilities