FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS

How to Request a School District Evaluation

You have the legal right to ask for a free evaluation. Here’s exactly how to do it.

YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW

Under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), you can request a free psychoeducational evaluation

from your school district at any time — regardless of your child’s grades or whether a teacher has raised concerns.

You do not need anyone’s permission to ask.

The evaluation must be completed at no cost to you. The district has 15 calendar days to respond to your request

and 60 days to complete the evaluation (timelines vary slightly by state; California follows 60 school days).

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO REQUEST

Step 1: Put it in writing

A verbal request is not enough — your request must be in writing to start the legal clock. Email or hand-deliver a letter

to your child’s principal and special education coordinator.

Step 2: Use the right language

The exact phrase matters. Include it word for word:

Use this exact language: “I am formally requesting a psychoeducational evaluation for my child under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).”

Step 3: Be specific about your concerns

Describe what you’re observing: difficulty with reading, attention, spelling, social communication, etc. You don’t need

a diagnosis — just your observations.

Step 4: Keep a paper trail

Send via email so you have a timestamp. Save every response. If you hand-deliver, ask for a signed receipt.

Step 5: Follow up

If you don’t hear back within 15 days, follow up in writing. Reference your original request date.

SAMPLE EMAIL TEMPLATE

To: [Principal’s email] CC: [Special Ed Coordinator’s email]

Subject: Formal Request for Psychoeducational Evaluation — [Child’s Full Name]

Dear [Principal’s Name],

I am writing to formally request a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation for my child, [Child’s Name], currently enrolled in

[Grade] at [School Name]. I am making this request under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

I have observed the following concerns: [describe 2–3 specific, concrete observations — e.g., ‘significant difficulty decoding

words,’ ‘unable to sustain attention for more than a few minutes,’ ‘struggles with written expression despite strong verbal ability’].

Please confirm receipt of this request and provide information about next steps, including the timeline for completing the

evaluation. I look forward to partnering with your team.

Thank you,

[Your Name] | [Phone] | [Email]

IF THEY SAY NO OR STALL

They deny your request: They must give you a written explanation (Prior Written Notice). You have the right to dispute it.
They’re dragging their feet: Reference the date of your written request and the 15-day response requirement.
You disagree with their results: You can request an IEE — Independent Educational Evaluation — at the district’s expense.
You feel stuck: Contact your county SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) or a special ed advocate. Many advocates offer free initial consultations.