What Happens After You Request IEP Evaluations? Next Steps for Parents.

You’ve done the hard part…you put your request for IEP evaluations in writing. That single step starts the clock ticking. But now what? What happens between sending the request and sitting down at an IEP meeting?

This is where a lot of parents feel left in the dark. Schools aren’t always great at explaining timelines or what the process looks like from beginning to end. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect.

Step 1: The School Responds to Your Request

By law, the school must respond to your written request. They can’t just ignore it. You should receive one of two things:

1. Permission to Evaluate (PTE) form – This means the school agrees with your request and is ready to move forward. You’ll need to sign and return this form before any testing begins.
2. Prior Written Notice (PWN) – If the school refuses to evaluate, they must send you this formal notice explaining why. At that point, you can use your procedural safeguards to dispute the refusal.

Either way, the response must be in writing.

Step 2: The Evaluation Timeline Starts

Once you sign and return the Permission to Evaluate, a legal timeline begins. The exact number of days can vary by state, but generally:

• Federal IDEA guidelines give schools 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation.
• Some states use school days instead of calendar days, so always check your state’s rules.

If the evaluation isn’t finished by the deadline, the school is out of compliance.

Step 3: The Assessments Take Place

During the evaluation period, the school will conduct different assessments based on your concerns. These may include:

• Cognitive testing (memory, problem-solving, processing)
• Academic testing (reading, writing, math)
• Speech/language evaluations
• Behavioral or social-emotional assessments
• Occupational or physical therapy assessments if needed

Remember: schools are required to evaluate in all areas of suspected disability. If you listed concerns in your request letter, they should be covered here.

Step 4: The Team Gathers Information

In addition to testing, the evaluation process often includes:

• Classroom observations
• Teacher input
• Parent input (yes, your perspective is part of the evaluation)
• Review of medical or outside reports, if you provide them

The goal is to build a full picture of your child’s strengths and needs.

Step 5: The Evaluation Report

Once testing is complete, the results are compiled into an Evaluation Report (sometimes called an ER or multidisciplinary evaluation). This report will include:

• A summary of testing results
• Identification of strengths and areas of need
• Recommendations for supports or services
• A determination of whether your child qualifies for special education under IDEA

The school must provide you with a copy of this report, and they are required to provide someone to explain the results. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if parts of it are confusing, that’s completely normal. You’re not a school psychologist– these folks can’t walk into your work place and know how to do your job on day 1. So don’t hold yourself to that same standard, and I find that parents do this. Or, they do not want to appear vulnerable by not knowing. Tip: Your IEP team knows you don’t know this stuff.

Step 6: The Eligibility Meeting

After you receive the report, the school will schedule a meeting to review it. At this meeting, the team (including you) will decide:

1. Does your child meet the eligibility criteria under IDEA?
2. If yes, what’s the next step in creating an IEP?

If your child is found eligible, the IEP team will start drafting the plan. If not, the school may suggest other supports, such as a 504 plan. I have a separate article on “How to Prepare for an IEP Eligibility Meeting.”

Sample IEP Evaluation Timeline

Step 1: Parent Request

• You send a written request for IEP evaluations.

Step 2: School Responds

• School must reply in writing with either:
  • Permission to Evaluate (PTE) form, or
  • Prior Written Notice (PWN) if they refuse.

Step 3: Consent Signed

• You sign and return the PTE.
• This starts the legal timeline.

Step 4: Evaluations Conducted

• School has up to 60 days (federal guideline) or your state’s timeline to complete testing.
• Includes academic, cognitive, behavioral, speech, OT, or other areas of concern.

Step 5: Evaluation Report

• School provides written results, including strengths, needs, and recommendations.

Step 6: Eligibility Meeting

• Team meets to decide if your child qualifies for special education.
• If yes → IEP development begins.
• If no → school may suggest other supports (like a 504 plan).

What If You Disagree with the Evaluation?

Sometimes parents feel the evaluation didn’t go far enough, or the results don’t reflect their child’s struggles. If that happens, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense. This means the school would pay for an outside professional to evaluate your child.

Keep Your Paper Trail Going

Even though you’re past the “request” stage, documentation is still your best friend. Keep copies of:

• Your request letter
• The Permission to Evaluate form
• Any notices from the school
• The final evaluation report

If issues arise later, you’ll be glad you have everything in writing. Requesting evaluations is the first step, but what comes next is just as important. Once you understand the timelines, testing, and reports, you can walk into the eligibility meeting confident and prepared.