A Full Individual Initial Evaluation is the gateway to special education services in Texas. Here's what gets tested, how long it takes, who conducts it, and what happens after the results come in.
What Is a FIIE?
A Full Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) — sometimes called an FIE — is the comprehensive assessment a Texas school district conducts to determine whether a child has a disability that qualifies them for special education services under IDEA. It is the first formal step in the eligibility process.
The evaluation is conducted by a team of qualified professionals and must assess the child in all areas related to the suspected disability. It is provided at no cost to the family.
Quick fact: The terms FIIE and FIE are used interchangeably in Texas. FIIE stands for Full Individual Initial Evaluation. FIE stands for Full Individual Evaluation, which can refer to both initial evaluations and reevaluations.
How to Request an Evaluation
Any parent, legal guardian, teacher, or school staff member can refer a child for an evaluation. However, the most effective approach is a written request from the parent — this triggers a legal timeline that the district must follow.
Submit your written request to the campus principal or the district's Special Education Department. Your letter should include your child's name, date of birth, campus, and the specific areas of concern. Our Evaluation Request Letter Template provides ready-to-use language.
The Texas Evaluation Timeline
| Step | Timeline | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Written request submitted | Day 0 | You submit a formal written request to the school. |
| 2. District responds | 15 school days | District provides consent form or Prior Written Notice of refusal. |
| 3. Parent signs consent | Your timeline | The clock starts when you sign and return the consent form. |
| 4. Evaluation completed | 45 school days from consent | All testing, observations, and report writing must be finished. |
| 5. ARD meeting held | 30 calendar days from evaluation | The ARD committee meets to review results and determine eligibility. |
What Gets Tested?
The evaluation must assess the child in all areas related to the suspected disability . Depending on the concerns, this may include:
- Cognitive ability — IQ testing to measure intellectual functioning
- Academic achievement — reading, writing, and math assessments compared to grade-level expectations
- Speech and language — receptive and expressive language skills, articulation, pragmatics
- Social-emotional functioning — behavior rating scales completed by parents, teachers, and the student
- Adaptive behavior — daily living skills, social skills, and independence
- Motor skills — fine motor (handwriting, cutting) and gross motor (balance, coordination)
- Sensory processing — how the child processes sensory input in the school environment
- Assistive technology needs — whether the child would benefit from tools or devices
The evaluation team must also review existing data: grades, report cards, state assessment results, teacher observations, attendance records, and any private evaluations the parent provides.
Who Conducts the Evaluation?
The evaluation is conducted by a multidisciplinary team that typically includes a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), educational diagnostician, speech-language pathologist, and any other specialists relevant to the suspected disability (occupational therapist, behavior analyst, etc.).
What Happens After the Evaluation?
Once the evaluation is complete, the district will provide you with a copy of the evaluation report. Within 30 calendar days , the ARD committee will meet to:
- Review the evaluation results as a team
- Determine whether your child meets eligibility criteria for one of the 13 disability categories under IDEA
- If eligible, develop the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Determine appropriate services, accommodations, and placement
The 13 IDEA disability categories include: Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Deafness, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment.
What If You Disagree with the Results?
If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense . The district must either fund the IEE or file for a due process hearing to defend their evaluation. Read our full guide: When and How to Request an IEE in Texas .
Ready to Request an Evaluation?
Download our free letter template with pre-written formal language that works for any Texas district.
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