How to Request a School Evaluation
Understanding Your Rights and Getting the Support Your Child Needs
If you’re concerned about your child’s learning, behavior, or social development at school, you have the right to request an educational evaluation. This process helps determine whether your child qualifies for special education services or accommodations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
At Access Autism Testing & Consultation (AATC), we help families in Texas, Florida, and Louisiana understand how to navigate this process—so your child can receive the support they deserve both at school and at home.
What Is a School Evaluation?
A school evaluation (often called a special education evaluation or psychoeducational evaluation) is a formal assessment conducted by the school district to determine whether a child has a disability that affects learning or behavior in the classroom.
Evaluations may include:
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Cognitive or IQ testing
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Academic achievement testing
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Speech and language assessments
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Behavioral and social-emotional evaluations
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Occupational or physical therapy screenings
The goal is to identify your child’s strengths and challenges and determine eligibility for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.
Who Can Request a School Evaluation?
Parents, teachers, or school staff can request an evaluation—but parents have the legal right to initiate one at any time if they suspect a disability may be affecting learning.
You do not need to wait for the school to suggest it.
How to Request a School Evaluation (Step-by-Step)
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Contact Special Education or Pupil Appraisal department of local, public school district and schedule an evaluation.
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Keep Copies of All Communication
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Save emails, letters, and notes from meetings. This documentation can help if you need to follow up or request additional support.
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Know the Timeline
After you submit your request, the school typically has 15–30 school days (depending on your state) to respond with a written notice of consent for evaluation or an explanation for denial. -
Participate in the Evaluation Process
You’ll be asked to give consent before testing begins. Once evaluations are complete, the school will schedule a meeting to review results and determine eligibility.
What If the School Refuses Your Request?
If your request is denied, you still have options:
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Ask for a written explanation of the decision.
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Request an independent educational evaluation (IEE)—you may be reimbursed for this in some cases.
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Consider an outside evaluation through a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist.
At Access Autism Testing & Consultation (AATC), we provide private autism evaluations that meet school documentation standards and can be shared with your child’s educational team.
How Private Testing Can Help
Even if your school agrees to evaluate, private testing offers a deeper look at your child’s profile—especially when autism or other developmental differences are suspected.
A virtual autism evaluation can:
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Identify strengths that may not appear in standard school assessments
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Provide detailed recommendations for IEP or 504 goals
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Offer insights for home support and therapy planning
Supporting Your Child After the Evaluation
Once your child has been evaluated, the next step is ensuring the results lead to meaningful support. This may include:
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Classroom accommodations (e.g., extra time, movement breaks, visual supports)
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Speech, occupational, or behavioral therapy
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Parent training and collaboration with teachers
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Ongoing monitoring of progress
We can help you interpret the results, understand your rights, and communicate effectively with the school team.
Get Guidance for Your Child’s Educational Journey
If you’re unsure how to start—or want to better understand your child’s developmental or behavioral profile—Access Autism Testing & Consultation (AATC) can help.
We provide:
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Personalized recommendations for home and classroom support
Serving families across Texas, Florida, and Louisiana through secure telehealth.
Contact Us Today!
📞 Schedule a consultation today to learn how to advocate for your child’s needs with confidence.
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