Educational Evaluation

An “Educational Evaluation" refers to the procedures used to determine whether a child is disabled in accordance with federal regulations. If, after being evaluated, a child is deemed disabled, the evaluation outcomes are used to determine the nature and extent of the special education and related services the child requires. An “Educational Evaluation” refers specifically to an individual child. It does not include basic tests administered to or procedures used with ALL children in a school, grade, or class.

Letter to Parents/Stakeholders Requesting an Educational Evaluation

Richland School District One (“the District”) is committed to ensuring that EVERY child receives the most appropriate education possible. We believe that all children deserve the opportunity to reach their full educational potential. Therefore, we want to ensure that all parents and stakeholders understand the proper procedure for requesting educational evaluations to determine eligibility for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).

How to Request an Educational Evaluation (Parents)

If you feel that your child may need an evaluation and/or services that have not been proposed by the school, you are entitled to request one. Requests for evaluations may be made to the school’s LEA  representative (typically a principal) via a letter or email. A letter or email is not required, but it helps to ensure your request is not inadvertently overlooked.

Evaluations Initiated by Richland One or Other Agencies

Prior to conducting a pre-placement evaluation, Richland One shall request parental permission via written notification.

The notification must include the following information:

• The reasons for the requested evaluation and the name of the person who initiated the process;
• The proposed evaluation procedures;
• A statement that after obtaining parent permission for evaluation or the decision of a hearing officer following a due process hearing (subject only to State Educational Agency appeal), the evaluation will be completed. A statement that the parents will be informed of the evaluation schedule must be included;
• A description of the testing procedures and instruments to be utilized and the limitations of the instruments;
• A description of how the findings of the evaluation will be used;
• A statement that the parents will be informed of the results of the evaluation;
• A description of all procedural safeguards available;
• A statement of the parent's right to refuse permission for the evaluation, with the understanding that Richland One or other agency can request a hearing to present its reasons and try to obtain approval to conduct the evaluation;
• An explanation of other rights pertaining to the evaluation process;
• A list of the sources whereby parents may obtain free/low cost legal services;
• A declaration that the child's educational status shall not be changed without the knowledge and written approval of the parent, or until the notice and due process procedures have been exhausted;
• A statement of any other factors relevant to the proposed action.

After obtaining parent permission for an evaluation or following a decision by a hearing officer (subject only to State Educational Agency appeal), the evaluation must be completed. Parents must be notified of the evaluation schedule.

Following evaluation, Richland One or other agency shall notify the parents that the evaluation has been completed. The notice shall include the following, with the exception of the items specified herein which are pertinent to both permission for evaluation and placement:

• The results of the evaluation and the educational implications:
• A statement of the parents' rights to attend a meeting of the IEP/staffing committee;
• A statement of the parents' right to refuse permission for placement, with the understanding that Richland One or other agency can request a due process hearing to present its reasons and try to obtain approval for placement;
• An explanation of other rights pertaining to the placement process;
• A full description of all procedural safeguards available;
• A declaration that the child's educational status shall not be changed without the knowledge and written approval of the parent, or until the notice and due process procedures have been exhausted;
• A list of the sources whereby a parent may obtain free/low cost legal services; and
• A statement of any other factors relevant to the proposed action.