How to Request a Special Education Evaluation in Georgia

If you suspect your child may have a disability that is affecting their learning, you don't have to wait for the school to act first. Knowing how to request an IEP evaluation in Georgia puts the power directly in your hands — and federal law backs you up every step of the way. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, what to expect, and how to keep the process moving forward.

What Is a Special Education Evaluation?

A special education evaluation (also called an initial evaluation or psychoeducational evaluation) is a comprehensive assessment the school district conducts to determine:

• Whether your child has a disability recognized under federal law
• How that disability affects their learning
• Whether they are eligible for special education and related services

If your child qualifies, the evaluation results form the foundation of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) — a legally binding plan that outlines the supports, services, and goals tailored specifically to them. The goal of this entire process is to ensure your child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), a right guaranteed under federal law (20 U.S.C. § 1401(9); 34 C.F.R. § 300.17).

Who Can Request an IEP Evaluation in Georgia?

You might be surprised to learn that a request can come from multiple directions:

• Parents or guardians — this is the most common starting point
• Teachers or school staff — any school employee who has concerns can refer a child
• The child themselves, in some circumstances, if they are older

As a parent, you do not need a teacher's referral, a doctor's note, or anyone's permission. You have a direct legal right to make this request yourself (20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.301).

Signs Your Child May Need an Evaluation

Every child is different, but some common signs that a special education evaluation may be warranted include:

• Persistent struggles with reading, writing, or math despite extra help
• Significant difficulties with attention, focus, or impulse control
• Challenges with speech, language, or communication
• Social or emotional difficulties that interfere with learning
• Delays in motor skills or coordination
• Frequent meltdowns, anxiety, or school refusal tied to learning tasks
• A diagnosis from a doctor (such as ADHD, autism, or a learning disability) that the school has not yet addressed

A diagnosis from an outside provider does not automatically make a child eligible for special education, but it is valuable information the school must consider during their evaluation.

How to Request an IEP Evaluation in Georgia: Step by Step

Step 1 — Put It in Writing

Verbal requests are easy to overlook. A written request creates a paper trail and officially starts the clock on the school's legal timeline.

Your letter doesn't need to be long or use legal language. A clear, concise note is all you need. Include:

• Your child's full name, date of birth, and school
• A brief description of your concerns (e.g., reading difficulties, attention challenges, speech delays)
• A direct statement that you are requesting a full and individual initial evaluation to determine eligibility for special education and related services
• Your name, contact information, and the date

Keep a copy for yourself. Send the letter by email (so you have a timestamp) or by certified mail. If you hand-deliver it, ask for a dated, signed receipt.

Step 2 — Address It to the Right Person

Send your request to your child's principal and/or the school's special education coordinator. When in doubt, copy both. You can also send a copy to the district's Director of Special Education to ensure it is received at the right level.

Step 3 — Know What Happens Next (Prior Written Notice)

After receiving your request, the school district must respond with a document called a Prior Written Notice (PWN) — sometimes called a "Notice of Proposed/Refused Action." This notice will tell you:

• Whether the district agrees to conduct the evaluation, OR
• Whether the district refuses your request — and if so, why

The school is required to provide this notice in plain language and in your native language if needed (20 U.S.C. § 1415(b)(3), (c)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.503). Do not let a verbal "we'll look into it" substitute for this written document.

Step 4 — Give (or Withhold) Your Consent

If the district agrees to evaluate, they will send you a consent form. You must sign and return it before the evaluation can begin. Read it carefully — it will describe what areas the school plans to assess.

You have the right to consent to some parts of the evaluation and not others, though consenting to the full evaluation gives the team the most complete picture.

Step 5 — Understand Georgia's Timeline

Once you provide written consent, Georgia law sets a firm deadline: the district must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 160-4-7-.04).

Write down your consent date and count forward 60 calendar days — that is the latest the evaluation report should be complete. After the evaluation is finished, the school must schedule an eligibility meeting to review the results with you and determine whether your child qualifies for services.

What If the School Says No?

A district that refuses your evaluation request must explain their reasoning in writing through the Prior Written Notice described above. A refusal is not the end of the road. You have several options:

• Request a meeting with the special education coordinator to discuss their concerns and share additional information (such as outside assessments or teacher observations)
• File a State Complaint with the Georgia Department of Education if you believe the district is not following the law
• Request mediation, a free and voluntary process where a neutral third party helps both sides reach an agreement
• Request a Due Process Hearing, a more formal legal proceeding — if you are considering this step, it is strongly recommended that you consult a qualified special education attorney or advocate first

What the Evaluation Must Cover

A proper evaluation is comprehensive and individualized. It cannot be a single test. The team must assess your child in all areas related to the suspected disability, which may include:

• Academic achievement (reading, writing, math)
• Cognitive/intellectual functioning
• Speech and language skills
• Social-emotional and behavioral functioning
• Occupational or physical therapy skills, if relevant
• Adaptive behavior and daily living skills

The evaluation must use a variety of tools — observations, interviews, records review, and standardized assessments — and must be conducted in your child's primary language whenever possible.

Your Rights as a Georgia Parent Throughout This Process

Federal and state law give you important protections at every stage:

• Right to participate: You are a full member of the evaluation and IEP team, not a bystander.
• Right to records: You can request copies of all evaluation reports and school records.
• Right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE): If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you can request that the district pay for an independent evaluation by an outside professional.
• Right to be informed: All documents must be provided in a language you understand.
• Right to procedural safeguards: Georgia schools must give you a copy of your procedural safeguards (your full rights booklet) at least once per year and at key points in the process — ask for it if you haven't received one.

Tips for a Productive Evaluation Process

• Start a binder — keep every letter, email, report, and form in one place, organized by date.
• Bring your own notes to meetings — jot down observations from home, tutors, coaches, or doctors.
• Ask questions — if a term or test result is unclear, ask the evaluator to explain it in plain language. You are entitled to understand every part of the report.
• Don't rush consent — take the time you need to read the consent form carefully before signing.
• Follow up in writing — after any phone call or meeting, send a brief email summarizing what was discussed and agreed upon.