Reevaluation Options: What Parents Need to Know

Navigating special education can be overwhelming for parents. Understanding the reevaluation process for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) is essential. Reevaluation helps to ensure students continue to benefit from the services they need to succeed academically and socially. This blog post highlights three options for reevaluating a student with an IEP, equipping parents with the knowledge to make informed choices about their child's education that the school district doesn't always know about.

Option 1: No Additional Evaluation Needed to Continue Special Education Services

Sometimes, the IEP team may conclude that no further evaluation is needed to maintain special education services. This decision is typically based on a thorough review of existing data, including academic performance, behavioral assessments, and feedback from teachers and parents.

For instance, if a student has shown consistent improvement in their grades, with a rise from a D average to a B average over the past year, the team might find that the current IEP remains effective. This route can bring relief to parents as it means their child continues to receive vital support without the added pressure of more testing.

However, parents should stay actively involved in this process. They should make sure that the IEP team is carefully reviewing all relevant information and that their child's current needs are being fully met.

A classroom filled with educational resources for students with special needs.

Option 2: Evaluation(s) Required for Continued Eligibility

There are times when the IEP team may find that evaluations are necessary to confirm a student's ongoing eligibility for special education services. Factors that may prompt this include noticeable declines in performance or changes in behavior. For example, if a student’s test scores drop by 20 percent, or if they exhibit increased anxiety during class, it may signal a need for reevaluation.

When evaluations are deemed necessary, parents should be informed about the specific assessments that will be conducted along with the approximate timeline for completion. These evaluations are not just administrative—they aim to collect detailed information about a child’s strengths and challenges, which can help shape the services provided.

Parents can actively engage in this process by asking questions and advocating for their child's needs. Sharing observations, like noticing a child struggles with group work but excels in one-on-one settings, offers the IEP team valuable insights during the evaluation.

Please be aware that there is no fixed timeline for a reevaluation, so these assessments may take place over several months.

Option 3: Evaluation for the Purpose of Gathering Information to Inform the IEP Team and IEP Development

In some cases, the IEP team may decide to conduct evaluations to gather additional information that will assist in developing the IEP, rather than questioning a student’s eligibility. This situation arises frequently when the team believes the student is qualified for services but needs more data to refine the IEP, services, and/or goals.

For example, if a student shows strengths in math but struggles significantly with reading comprehension, targeted evaluations can help the team design specific interventions for comprehension. These evaluations might include academic testing, social skills assessments, therapy evaluations, and more, that highlight how to tailor the IEP effectively to the student's unique needs.

Parents should feel encouraged to request these evaluations if they think their child would benefit from additional insights. Maintaining open lines of communication with the IEP team is crucial to align on goals and strategies for the student. We recommend sending a parental concerns letter and a request for evaluations in writing (via email) to have documentation of the request.