How to Request a Special Education Evaluation in Georgia

If you suspect your child has a disability that is affecting their education, knowing how to request an IEP evaluation in Georgia is one of the most powerful steps you can take as a parent. The process is more straightforward than most families expect, and federal and state law protect your right to ask at any time — at no cost to you.

What Is a Special Education Evaluation?

A special education evaluation (sometimes called an "initial evaluation" or "comprehensive evaluation") is a team-based assessment that looks at all areas of a child's suspected disability. It may include academic testing, observations, speech-language screening, psychological assessments, or other tools — depending on your child's needs.

The goal is to find out whether your child has a disability recognized under federal law and whether that disability requires specially designed instruction. If both are true, your child is eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) — a legally binding plan that ensures a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) (20 U.S.C. § 1401(9); 34 C.F.R. § 300.17).

Who Can Request an Evaluation?

Under federal law, either a parent or the school district can initiate a referral for an initial evaluation (20 U.S.C. § 1414(a)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.301). You do not need a teacher's permission, a doctor's note, or a specific test score. If you have a reason to believe your child may have a disability, you have the right to ask.

This applies to children attending:

• Public schools (including charter schools)
• Private schools, if the child resides in the district
• Homeschool settings, in some circumstances (contact your local district for specifics)

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

Step 1 — Put Your Request in Writing

A verbal request carries little legal weight. Always submit your request in writing so there is a clear record with a date. Your letter does not need to be formal or use legal language — plain and direct is perfectly fine.

Your written request should include:

• Your child's full name, date of birth, and school
• The name and address of the special education director or principal (send to both if unsure)
• A brief description of your concerns (academic struggles, behavioral challenges, speech delays, etc.)
• A clear statement that you are requesting a full and individual initial evaluation under IDEA
• Your contact information
• The date

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

Step 2 — Understand What Happens Next: Prior Written Notice

Within a reasonable time after receiving your request, the district must respond with a document called a Prior Written Notice (PWN) — defined as the school's formal written response to your request (20 U.S.C. § 1415(b)(3), (c)(1); 34 C.F.R. § 300.503).

The PWN will state one of two things:

• The district agrees to conduct the evaluation and explains what assessments will be used, or
• The district refuses to evaluate and must give a written explanation of why.

If the district refuses, they must also tell you about your rights and how to challenge that decision. A refusal is not the end of the road — you have options including requesting mediation or a due process hearing.

Step 3 — Sign the Consent Form

If the district agrees to evaluate, they will send you a consent form. You must sign and return it before any testing can begin. Read it carefully — consent is specific to the evaluation described. Signing consent for evaluation does not mean you are automatically agreeing to special education services later.

Step 4 — Know Georgia's 60-Day Timeline

This is where Georgia's state rules come in. Under Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 160-4-7-.04, the school district must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of receiving your signed consent.

Key things to know about this timeline:

• The clock starts on the date the district receives your signed consent, not the date of your written request.
• The 60 days are calendar days, not school days — summer and breaks count.
• Certain limited exceptions may pause the clock (for example, if your child is absent for an extended period), but these are narrow.

If the 60-day window passes without a completed evaluation, contact the district's special education director in writing and request an immediate update.

Step 5 — Attend the Eligibility Meeting

Once the evaluation is complete, the school will schedule an eligibility meeting (sometimes called a Multi-Disciplinary Team or MDT meeting in Georgia). You are a full member of this team. The team reviews all evaluation results together and makes two decisions:

1. Does your child have a disability under IDEA?
2. Does that disability require specially designed instruction?

If the answer to both is yes, your child is found eligible and the team moves forward to develop an IEP. If the answer is no, you still have the right to receive a copy of all evaluation reports and to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with the results.

Tips for Writing an Effective Request Letter

• Be specific about your concerns. Instead of "my child is struggling," try "my child is reading two grade levels below peers and is becoming increasingly anxious about school."
• Reference any existing documentation you have — report cards, teacher notes, outside evaluations — but you do not need to attach them to submit the request.
• Use the phrase "full and individual initial evaluation" so the district clearly understands this is a formal IDEA referral, not a general inquiry.
• Date your letter clearly and note the method of delivery.

What If the School Already Evaluated and You Disagree?

If the evaluation has already taken place and you believe it was not thorough or accurate, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense — meaning the district may have to pay for an outside evaluator. The district can either fund the IEE or file for due process to defend their evaluation. For high-stakes disagreements like this, consulting a qualified special education attorney or advocate is strongly recommended.

You Are Your Child's Best Advocate

The process of requesting an IEP evaluation in Georgia is designed to be accessible to every family. A simple, clearly dated letter triggers important legal protections and timelines. You do not need to know every regulation — you just need to ask. Schools and families work best as partners, and a well-informed parent is a tremendous asset to that partnership.