Requesting an Evaluation in Georgetown ISD

Requesting a Special Education Evaluation in Georgetown ISD

If you believe your child may have a disability that impacts their ability to learn in a general education setting, you have the right to request a special education evaluation from Georgetown ISD. This evaluation, conducted by qualified professionals, will help determine if your child is eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Texas state law.

How to Submit a Written Request

The most important step is to submit your request in writing. This creates a formal record of your request and triggers the school's legal obligations. While you can initially express concerns to your child's teacher or principal, the formal request must be written. Your request should clearly state that you are requesting a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) to determine eligibility for special education services. Be specific. Include the following:

• Your child's full name and date of birth.
• Your address and phone number.
• A brief description of your concerns about your child's academic, behavioral, or developmental progress. Include specific examples of challenges you have observed at home and/or school.
• Any previous interventions attempted (e.g., tutoring, modifications in the classroom).
• Any relevant medical or psychological evaluations your child has had.
• A statement that you are formally requesting a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) under IDEA and Texas special education law.

Address your letter to the principal of your child's school and send a copy to the district's special education director. Keep a copy of the letter for your records. It is recommended to send the letter via certified mail, return receipt requested, to provide proof of delivery.

The 45 School Day Timeline

Once the school district receives your written request, they have a limited amount of time to respond. Under Texas law, the ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee has 15 school days to make a decision about whether or not to evaluate your child. If they decide to evaluate, the evaluation process, including the completion of the FIE, must be completed within 45 school days of receiving your written consent to evaluate. This is a crucial timeline to keep track of. If the school district fails to meet these deadlines, you have the right to request a hearing to compel them to comply.

What the FIE Must Cover

The Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) must be comprehensive and address all areas of suspected disability. This means that the evaluation team needs to consider all potential areas of need, not just the ones you initially raised. The evaluation must include information from a variety of sources, including:

• Observations of your child in the classroom.
• Review of your child's academic records.
• Input from teachers and other school personnel.
• Information you provide as the parent.
• Formal assessments and tests in areas of suspected disability, such as:
  • Cognitive abilities
  • Academic achievement
  • Speech and language skills
  • Motor skills
  • Social-emotional development
  • Adaptive behavior

The FIE must be conducted by qualified professionals who are trained to administer and interpret the specific tests used. The results of the FIE will be used to determine if your child meets the eligibility criteria for special education services in Texas.

Child Find Obligations

Georgetown ISD has a legal obligation under IDEA to actively seek out children with disabilities who may need special education services. This is known as "Child Find." If you suspect your child has a disability, even if they are not enrolled in school, you can contact the district's special education department to request an evaluation. The district cannot deny an evaluation simply because your child is doing well academically, if other areas of suspected disability warrant further investigation.

What If They Refuse

If the ARD committee decides not to evaluate your child, they must provide you with a written explanation of their decision, including the reasons for the refusal. You have the right to challenge this decision. You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the district's evaluation or refusal to evaluate. You also have the right to request mediation or file a complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to resolve the dispute. Consider consulting with an attorney specializing in special education law to understand your rights and options.

After the Evaluation

After the FIE is completed, an ARD committee meeting will be held to discuss the results and determine if your child is eligible for special education services. If your child is found eligible, the ARD committee will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to meet your child's unique needs. The IEP will outline specific goals, services, and accommodations that will be provided to help your child succeed. You are a vital member of the ARD committee and have the right to participate fully in the development of your child's IEP.