Complete Guide: How to Request a Special Education Evaluation in AUBREY ISD

Understanding Your Rights as a Parent in AUBREY ISD

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Rehabilitation Act, all students in AUBREY ISD have the right to a free and appropriate public education. If your child may have a disability that affects their learning, AUBREY ISD must evaluate them at no cost.

Parent rights in AUBREY ISD include:

• Request a free initial evaluation
• Participate in all meetings regarding your child
• Receive information in Spanish
• Challenge AUBREY ISD decisions
• Bring a special education attorney or advocate to meetings

AUBREY ISD is obligated by Texas state law to uphold these rights. They cannot deny an evaluation simply because they say your child "is fine" at home or "is trying hard enough."

Signs Your Child Might Need an Evaluation

Many parents in AUBREY ISD wonder if it's time to request an evaluation. Here are common signs that indicate AUBREY ISD should evaluate your child:

Academic Difficulties

• Difficulty reading, writing, or doing math compared to peers
• Grades dropping without clear reason
• Needing significant help to complete school assignments
• Difficulty following instructions in class

Behavioral and Emotional Concerns

• Aggressive or withdrawn behavior at school
• Extreme anxiety or depression
• Difficulty working in groups or interacting with other children
• Frequent tantrums or lack of emotional control

Communication and Developmental Challenges

• Speech or language delay
• Difficulty understanding what is said to them
• Coordination or motor control problems
• Repetitive or unusual behaviors

If you have noticed any of these signs in your child attending AUBREY ISD schools, evaluation is the important first step.

Steps to Request a Special Education Evaluation in AUBREY ISD

Step 1: Make the Request in Writing

The first step to requesting an AUBREY ISD evaluation is to do so in writing. It is not enough to verbally mention your concerns to the teacher or the school. You must submit a clear, documented written request.

Send your request to:

• Your school's principal in AUBREY ISD
• The AUBREY ISD Special Education Services department
• Or both (this is safer to ensure it is received)

Important tip: Send the request by certified mail with return receipt, or deliver it in person and ask them to sign a copy. Keep copies of everything. AUBREY ISD must document that they received your evaluation request.

Step 2: What to Include in Your Request

Your request letter for AUBREY ISD should be clear and specific. Include:

1. The date of your request
2. The student's full name and grade
3. Specific description of concerns – not just "my child is struggling" but clear examples
4. Any previous evaluations conducted outside of AUBREY ISD (doctors, private psychologists, etc.)
5. Your clear request: "I formally request a full and comprehensive special education evaluation"
6. Your contact information – phone and email
7. Your signature

Example: "My child has difficulty reading at a third-grade level. They read individual letters but cannot decode simple words. We have observed this for two years. I request that AUBREY ISD complete a special education evaluation that includes a reading/language assessment."

Step 3: Know AUBREY ISD's Timelines

According to Texas law and IDEA, AUBREY ISD has specific timelines that it must adhere to:

• 15 school days: AUBREY ISD must acknowledge your request in writing
• 60 calendar days (after consent): AUBREY ISD must complete the FIE (Full Individual Evaluation)
• 30 days after the evaluation: AUBREY ISD must convene an ARD (Admission, Review, Dismissal) meeting

These timelines are legal requirements. If AUBREY ISD fails to meet them, this is a violation of your rights. Mark these dates on your calendar.

The Special Education Evaluation Process in AUBREY ISD

What is an FIE Evaluation in AUBREY ISD?

The FIE (Full Individual Evaluation) is a comprehensive process that AUBREY ISD must use to determine if your child qualifies for special education services. It is not just a mental ability test. It must be comprehensive, meaning it evaluates multiple areas:

• Cognitive evaluation (intelligence, reasoning)
• Academic evaluation (reading, math, writing)
• Language and speech evaluation
• Motor development evaluation
• Social, emotional, and behavioral evaluation
• Vision and hearing evaluation
• Teacher and parent information

AUBREY ISD must use multiple certified evaluators to complete the special education evaluation. It cannot rely on a single test or evaluator.

Your Consent is Required

Before AUBREY ISD can evaluate your child, they must obtain your written informed consent. You must understand exactly:

• Which areas will be evaluated
• Which tests will be used
• Who will conduct the evaluations
• Where the evaluations will take place
• How the results will be used

Be careful: AUBREY ISD cannot use your consent for something broader. If you only consent to a reading test, AUBREY ISD cannot conduct a full psychological evaluation without your additional approval.

What Happens After the Evaluation?

Once AUBREY ISD completes your child's evaluation, they must:

1. Provide you with a full evaluation report in Spanish at least 5 days before the meeting
2. Convene an ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meeting
3. Invite you as a parent/guardian to that meeting
4. Discuss whether your child qualifies for special education
5. If they qualify, develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

The AUBREY ISD ARD Meeting

The ARD meeting is where AUBREY ISD discusses the evaluation results with you. This is a very important meeting for your child's rights.

How to Prepare for the ARD Meeting in AUBREY ISD

Before the meeting, you should:

• Carefully review the evaluation report
• Take notes on questions or concerns
• Consider bringing a support person or a special education advocate
• Prepare specific examples of how the disability affects your child
• Think about what services your child needs

Important right: You can bring a special education attorney or advocate to your ARD meeting in AUBREY ISD. Many parents find this very helpful, especially if AUBREY ISD says your child does not qualify but you disagree.

During the Meeting

During your ARD meeting in AUBREY ISD, you have the right to:

• Ask questions about the evaluation
• Express your opinions about the results
• Request additional evaluations if you believe something was missed
• Ask for time to think before signing documents
• Request that the meeting be recorded (although AUBREY ISD may refuse)
• Receive a copy of all notes and decisions

Do not sign anything you do not fully understand. You have the right to time to consider the information. AUBREY ISD cannot pressure you to make decisions the same day if you do not feel ready.

If AUBREY ISD Says Your Child Does Not Qualify for Special Education

Sometimes, after the evaluation, AUBREY ISD determines that your child does not qualify for special education under IDEA. This can be very frustrating, especially if you believe your child needs help.

You Still Have Options

• 504 Plan: Even without an IEP, your child may be eligible for protections under Section 504, which provides accommodations
• General Education with Accommodations: AUBREY ISD can provide support within the regular classroom
• Request a Second Opinion: You can obtain an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at AUBREY ISD's expense if you disagree
• Dispute Resolution Procedures: You can request a due process hearing if you believe AUBREY ISD made an error

If you disagree with AUBREY ISD's decision, a special education attorney near AUBREY or advocate can help you understand your options.

Resources and Support for Families in AUBREY ISD

Where to Contact AUBREY ISD

For more information about special education in AUBREY ISD or to request evaluation services, contact:

• Your school directly (principal or counselor)
• The AUBREY ISD Special Education Services department
• The AUBREY ISD parent hotline

Request documents in Spanish. AUBREY ISD is obligated to provide you with all special education information in Spanish if that is your preferred language.

Local Advocates and Resources

If you need help in the AUBREY area, resources are available:

• Special education advocate (Special ed advocate AUBREY): They can assist you with the evaluation process and meetings
• Special education attorney: For more complex legal issues or disputes
• Texas parent organizations that offer workshops and support

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Evaluation in AUBREY ISD

How much does the evaluation cost in AUBREY ISD? Absolutely nothing. AUBREY ISD must provide free evaluations as part of its obligations under federal law.

What happens if AUBREY ISD refuses to evaluate my child? They must document their refusal in writing. If you believe it was incorrect, you can request a due process hearing.

Can I get a private evaluation instead of an AUBREY ISD evaluation? You can, but AUBREY ISD still has the obligation to conduct an evaluation if you request it. A private evaluation can be helpful as a second opinion.

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