A “Sample Letter To Request Special Education Evaluation” is a template. Parents use it to ask schools to assess their child. They suspect their child needs special education services. This letter starts the process.
Need to write such a letter? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
We’ll share letter samples here. Use these samples as a guide. Writing your letter will become much easier.
Sample Letter To Request Special Education Evaluation
**Sample Letter To Request Special Education Evaluation**
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
**Subject: Request for Special Education Evaluation**
Dear [School Principal’s Name],
I am writing to request a special education evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] grade at [School Name]. [Child’s Name] is [Child’s Age] years old and has been a student at this school since [Start Date/Year].
I have observed that [Child’s Name] is experiencing difficulties in [Specific Subject/Area, e.g., reading, math, writing, social skills]. For example, [Provide 2-3 specific examples of the child’s difficulties. Be specific and factual. E.g., “he struggles to complete his reading assignments on time,” or “she has difficulty focusing during class discussions,” or “he has trouble understanding basic math concepts”].
These challenges are impacting [Child’s Name]’s academic progress and overall well-being at school. I am concerned that these difficulties may be indicative of a learning disability or other special need that requires specialized instruction and support.
Therefore, I am formally requesting a comprehensive evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I understand that this evaluation will assess [Child’s Name]’s strengths and weaknesses in various areas, including academic performance, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional development.
I am available to meet with you and the school’s special education team to discuss my concerns in more detail and to provide any additional information that may be helpful in the evaluation process. Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to schedule a meeting at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this important matter. I look forward to your prompt response and a collaborative effort to support [Child’s Name]’s educational needs.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
html
How to Write a Letter To Request Special Education Evaluation
1. Crafting a Compelling Subject Line
The subject line is your initial gambit. It should be succinct and immediately convey the purpose of your missive. Avoid ambiguity; clarity is paramount.
- Example: Request for Special Education Evaluation – [Student’s Full Name]
- Alternative: Formal Request: Special Education Assessment for [Student’s Full Name]
2. The Salutation: A Formal Overture
Address the letter to the appropriate individual. If the name is known, use it. If not, a general salutation is acceptable, though less personalized.
- Known Recipient: Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name],
- Unknown Recipient: Dear Special Education Director, or To Whom It May Concern:
3. Introduction: Setting the Stage
The introductory paragraph should concisely state your child’s name, grade, and school. Immediately articulate your request for a special education evaluation. Be direct; eschew circumlocution.
- “I am writing to formally request a comprehensive special education evaluation for my child, [Student’s Full Name], who is in [Grade Level] at [School Name].”
- “This letter serves as a formal request for an evaluation to determine [Student’s Full Name]’s eligibility for special education services. [He/She] is currently in [Grade Level] at [School Name].”
4. Detailing Your Concerns: Laying Out the Predicament
This section is crucial. Provide specific examples of your child’s academic or behavioral challenges. Substantiate your concerns with concrete instances; anecdotal evidence strengthens your case. Avoid generalizations; precision is key.
- “Specifically, [Student’s Name] struggles with [Specific Academic Area, e.g., reading comprehension]. For instance, [He/She] has difficulty [Specific Example, e.g., understanding complex sentence structures] as evidenced by [Evidence, e.g., consistently low scores on reading assignments].”
- “Behaviorally, [Student’s Name] exhibits [Specific Behavioral Issue, e.g., difficulty focusing in class]. This manifests as [Specific Example, e.g., frequent inattentiveness and fidgeting] which has been observed by [Observed By, e.g., both myself and the classroom teacher].”
5. Prior Interventions and Strategies: Demonstrating Due Diligence
Outline any interventions or strategies already implemented. This showcases your proactive involvement and highlights the limitations of existing support systems. It demonstrates that you’ve explored alternatives before resorting to a formal evaluation.
- “We have already tried [Intervention 1, e.g., providing extra tutoring] and [Intervention 2, e.g., implementing a behavior chart], but these have yielded limited amelioration.”
- “[Student’s Name] has received [Specific Support, e.g., additional help with homework] and [Alternative Strategy, e.g., preferential seating in the classroom]. Despite these efforts, [He/She] continues to face significant impediments.”
6. Expressing Expectations and Availability: Charting the Course Forward
Clearly state your expectations for the evaluation process and express your availability for meetings and consultations. Indicate your willingness to collaborate with the school to ensure a successful evaluation.
- “I anticipate that this evaluation will provide a comprehensive understanding of [Student’s Name]’s strengths and weaknesses. I am available to meet with the evaluation team at your earliest convenience.”
- “I look forward to discussing this matter further and collaborating with the school to determine the most appropriate course of action for [Student’s Name]. Please contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] to schedule a meeting.”
7. Closing Remarks: A Cordial Conclusion
End the letter with a professional closing. Thank the recipient for their time and consideration. Reinforce your commitment to your child’s education.
- “Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your prompt response.”
- “Sincerely,” followed by your full name and contact information (phone number and email address).
- “Respectfully,” followed by your full name and contact information.
html
Frequently Asked Questions: Requesting a Special Education Evaluation
Understanding the process of requesting a special education evaluation can be complex. This FAQ section provides answers to common questions to help guide you through the initial steps.
How do I formally request a special education evaluation for my child?
Submit a written request to the school principal or special education director outlining your concerns and the reasons you believe your child may require special education services.
What information should I include in my request letter?
Include your child’s full name, date of birth, grade level, and a detailed description of your specific concerns about their academic, behavioral, or developmental progress.
What happens after I submit the request letter?
The school is required to respond to your request within a specific timeframe, typically by scheduling a meeting to discuss your concerns and determine whether an evaluation is warranted.
What if the school refuses to evaluate my child?
You have the right to disagree with the school’s decision and can pursue options such as mediation or filing a formal complaint with the state education agency.
How long does the special education evaluation process take?
The evaluation timeline varies, but generally, the school must complete the evaluation and hold a meeting to discuss the results within a specified timeframe outlined by state and federal regulations.