“The Teacher Suggested a Special Education Assessment”: A Parents’ Guide to Next Steps
After your first parent-teacher conference this year, you may be feeling both concerned and hopeful. You’ve heard from your child’s teacher about areas where they’re struggling, and you’re wondering whether special education might help. The next step—and often the most important one—is requesting a special education assessment. For many parents, the process can seem daunting, with technical language and procedures that aren’t always clearly explained. But at its core, the assessment is about learning who your child is as a student: what they excel at, where they need help, and how the school can best support them. With the right information, you can move from uncertainty to action, ensuring your child gets the resources they need to thrive.
What Is a Special Education Assessment?
A special education assessment is a formal process used to answer two key questions:
Does your child have a disability that impacts their education?
Do they qualify for special education services under federal and state law?
These evaluations go beyond just grades or test scores. They consider your child’s academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and physical development to get a complete understanding of their learning needs. Depending on your concerns, the district might also include speech/language, fine and gross motor, sensory, and/or other areas of assessment.
Step 1: Referral for Assessment
The assessment process usually begins when a parent or teacher notices a child is struggling in ways that go beyond typical challenges. Common reasons for referral include:
Ongoing struggles with reading, writing, or math
Trouble paying attention or staying focused
Difficulty with speech, language, or communication
Emotional, social, or behavioral concerns
Developmental delays
💡 Important: In California, parents can request a special education assessment in writing at any time. You don’t have to wait for the school to recommend it.
Step 2: Review and Parent Consent
After you request an assessment, the school will:
✅ Review existing information about your child
✅ Decide whether they believe an assessment is needed
✅ If the district agrees to assess, the will send you an Assessment Plan and ask for written parent consent before moving forward. Without your consent, they cannot start the evaluation.
If the district does not agree to assess, they must send you a letter (called a prior written notice) explaining their refusal to assess. An advocate or parent support collaborative can assist you with next steps.
Step 3: The Evaluation
Once you’ve given consent to the assessment plan, a team of specialists will assess your child in the areas of suspected need. This may include:
Academic testing (reading, writing, math)
Cognitive or psychological testing
Speech and language evaluations
Classroom observations
Behavioral assessments
Fine and gross motor evaluations
Social-emotional assessments
Medical or health information
📅 Timeline: In California, the district has 60 calendar days (excluding breaks longer than 5 school days) from receiving your consent to complete the assessment and hold the IEP meeting. (California Education Code § 56344(a))
Step 4: The Initial IEP Meeting
Once the assessments are complete, the district will schedule an initial IEP meeting (sometimes called an “eligibility meeting”). At this meeting, the team (which includes you!) will:
Review the assessment results
Decide whether your child qualifies for special education under one or more of the disability categories listed in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and California law
Consider how your child’s disability affects their ability to access and progress in the general education curriculum
Step 5: Next Steps
If your child qualifies for special education:
The team will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
The IEP will include goals, supports, services, and accommodations tailored to your child’s needs
If your child does not qualify:
The team may suggest other supports, such as:
A Section 504 Plan
General education interventions or accommodations
If you disagree with the district’s assessment, you have the right to request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) at public expense. More information can be found on that here: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/publications/how-to-obtain-an-independent-educational-evaluation-at-public-expense
Final Thoughts
The assessment process is designed to help schools better understand students who learn differently. Still, it can feel overwhelming. Here are a few key reminders:
✔️ You are an equal member of the IEP team
✔️ You can request an assessment at any time
✔️ You have the right to ask questions, get explanations, and bring support
✔️ Your input matters because you know your child best
If you ever feel uncertain, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Remember: this process is about making sure your child gets the services and support they need to thrive!
