Requesting a Special Education Evaluation
If you have concerns about your child's academic progress or believe they may have a disability affecting their ability to learn, you have the absolute legal right to request a special education evaluation from Donna ISD.
Donna ISD has a legal obligation under the "Child Find" provisions of IDEA to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities residing within their jurisdiction. Your formal request is the direct trigger to force the district to act on this responsibility.
Show the ISD You Mean Business
A verbal request has no legal weight. A written letter starts the 45-day clock and forces a response within 15 school days.
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Do not rely on informal emails. A proper evaluation request forces the district into a strict legal timeline. Here is how to do it correctly:
- Address It Correctly: Send the letter to both the campus principal and the Special Education Director.
- Use the "Magic Words": State clearly that you are requesting a "Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE) under IDEA to determine eligibility for special education."
- List Suspected Disabilities: Detail your specific concerns (e.g., suspected dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or speech delays) and list the interventions that have already failed.
- Create a Paper Trail: Email the request so it is time-stamped, or send it via certified mail with a return receipt requested.
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The 45 School Day Timeline
Once Donna ISD receives your written request, they are bound by the strict timelines of the Texas Education Code. Within 15 school days of receiving your request, the campus must provide you with a written response and a formal consent form to sign.
Once you sign that consent form, the district has exactly 45 school days to complete the Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE) and provide you with a written copy of the report. Following the report, they have 30 calendar days to hold the initial ARD meeting to determine eligibility.
Note: School days do not include weekends, holidays, or summer breaks. It is crucial to track these dates meticulously.
What the Evaluation Must Cover
The FIE is a comprehensive assessment conducted by qualified professionals (like diagnosticians and school psychologists). It cannot be a single test. The evaluation must address all areas of suspected disability, including:
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Academic Achievement Testing for specific deficits in reading, writing, and math.
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Cognitive Abilities Evaluating intelligence, working memory, and problem-solving skills.
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Related Services Needs Assessments for speech/language, occupational therapy (fine motor), and social-emotional development.
What If Donna ISD Refuses?
If the district refuses to conduct an evaluation, they must provide you with a formal "Prior Written Notice" explaining exactly why they refused and what data they relied on to make that decision.
You have the right to disagree. If the district refuses, or if you disagree with the results of their evaluation once it is completed, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the district's expense, or you can file for a due process hearing to force the evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers every parent in Texas needs to know.
How do I request a special education evaluation in Texas? +
Submit a written request directly to the school's principal or special education director. The written request starts the mandatory 45 school-day clock. Keep a dated copy for your records.
What is a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) in Texas? +
A Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) is a comprehensive assessment the school must complete to determine if your child has a disability and needs special education services. It must cover all areas of suspected disability and be completed within 45 school days of your written consent.
Can a Texas school refuse to evaluate my child? +
Yes, but only if the district provides written notice (Prior Written Notice) explaining why they are refusing and what data they relied on. You have the right to challenge that refusal through mediation or a due process hearing.