For a student to receive specialized instruction, including related services and supports, they must go through a process of testing for eligibility, called the initial evaluation. Following are some things for families to remember as you are going through this process:
1. Parents May Request An Evaluation
Ask your school to provide you with a consent form to sign to make the request.
2. School has 60 days
After receiving signed consent for testing, the school has 60 days to complete the evaluation.
3. No Cost
The evaluation should be at no cost to the parents.
4. Comprehensive With More Than One Tool
The evaluation must be comprehensive and should include a variety of assessment tools and strategies to gather relevant functional, developmental and academic information.
5. Parents are Important
Interviewing the parent and the child are part of the evaluation process.
6. Independent Evaluation
If parents disagree with the results, they may request another evaluation by someone not employed by the school district, called an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE).
7. Must Link to IEP
The results of the evaluation should directly link to the services on the IEP.
8. Bring Your Child’s Strengths to Process
Parents have a voice in this process and are encouraged to share strengths, interests, and positive things about their child.
9. Ask Questions
If you don’t understand the language being used, ask for clarification and examples.
10. 30 Days to develop an IEP
Once the evaluation is complete, and the child has been found to be eligible for special education services and supports, the school has 30 days to implement and develop an Individualized Education Program, or IEP.
In Wyoming, for more information, or for answers to your specific questions on Initial Evaluations for Special Education, please contact Parent Information Center at (307) 684-2277.
