Evaluation (special education)
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A special education evaluation is the set of assessments a school uses to decide whether a child has a disability and what services the child needs.
Topic: Evaluation and assessment
In plain terms
An initial evaluation must be full and individual. It uses several tools and sources, not a single test, and assesses the child in all areas related to the suspected disability, such as academics, communication, behavior, motor skills or vision. It requires parent consent and, under federal rules, must be completed within 60 days of consent unless the state sets its own timeline.
How it shows up in an IEP
Evaluation results feed the present levels and often suggest which goals matter most. Teachers contribute classroom data, work samples and observations, which help the team see how test scores show up in daily work.
Example
For a third grader referred for reading concerns, the evaluation includes cognitive and achievement testing, a phonological processing measure, a classroom observation, fluency data from the teacher and a parent interview.
Not the same as Reevaluation
The initial evaluation decides first eligibility. A reevaluation checks later whether the child still qualifies and what has changed. Read the definition of Reevaluation.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.301, 34 CFR §300.304.
Rules vary by state. Check your state's regulations and your district's procedures.
Related terms
- Eligibility determinationEligibility determination is the team decision, made after an evaluation, about whether a child has a disability under IDEA and needs special education.
- Reevaluation (triennial)A reevaluation is a new look at a student's needs and eligibility, required at least every three years unless the parent and school agree it is not needed.
- Informed consentInformed consent is a parent's written, voluntary agreement to a specific school action after being fully told what it involves, and it can be revoked.
- IEE (Independent Educational Evaluation)An IEE is an evaluation of a child by a qualified examiner who does not work for the school district responsible for the child's education.
- Child FindChild Find is the duty of every state and school district to identify, locate and evaluate all children with disabilities who may need special education.
This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.