How to request a special education evaluation in Texas

If you are concerned that your child may have a disability and need special education, you can ask the school for an evaluation. For a child enrolled in a Texas public school, a clear written request is a useful first step.

The school may call this a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation, or FIIE. It helps identify your child's educational needs and informs the decision about eligibility for special education. The school's evaluation is provided at no cost to parents. TEA's parent overview explains the process.

Send your request to the right person

Address your written request to the district's special education director or a district administrator, such as your child's principal. You can copy the teacher so everyone has the same information. Keep the message and ask for confirmation that it was received.

A request can also be made verbally. However, Texas's specific 15-school-day response requirement applies to a written request received by the designated staff described above. TEA's referral timeline explains that distinction.

Describe what you are noticing

Include your child's name, grade, school, and the concerns behind your request. Describe how those concerns affect learning or participation. Share relevant work samples, teacher messages, or outside reports you already have.

For example, instead of only saying "reading is difficult," explain that your child needs help reading familiar words, avoids reading aloud, or struggles to finish classroom assignments. Include what support has been tried and what you have noticed since then.

A sample evaluation request

Subject: Request for special education evaluation for [child's name]

Dear [special education director or principal],

I am requesting a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation for my child, [name], who is in [grade] at [school]. I am concerned about [describe the concerns and their effect on learning or participation], and I believe my child may need special education services.

I would like the evaluation to address all areas of suspected disability, including [areas of concern]. Please confirm receipt of this request and explain the next steps, including the process for giving consent if the school proposes an evaluation.

Thank you, [parent's name and contact information]

What happens after you send it?

Within 15 school days after receiving the qualifying written request, the district must provide either a written proposal to evaluate and an opportunity for you to consent, or written notice refusing the evaluation. It must also provide the Notice of Procedural Safeguards and Overview of Special Education for Parents.

Your request and your consent are separate steps. Before you consent, ask what the school plans to evaluate and how those areas connect to your concerns. SPEDTex's consent guidance explains what families should understand before giving written permission.

The evaluation report is generally due within 45 school days after the district receives your written consent, rather than from the date of your request. Absences and special end-of-school-year rules can affect the deadline. Ask the school to confirm the date that applies to your child, using TEA's timeline.

What if the school says to wait?

Ask whether the school is proposing an evaluation or refusing your request. If it refuses, review the written explanation and the rights information it provides. Keep copies and follow up with the special education director if the response is unclear or overdue.

Support in the classroom can continue during this process. A school cannot delay or deny an initial evaluation simply because interventions have not yet been tried, as TEA's referral guidance explains.

What comes after the evaluation?

The ARD committee, including you, reviews the results and determines eligibility. An evaluation does not automatically mean your child qualifies for services. Our guide to what to expect at an ARD meeting can help you prepare for that conversation.

Need help putting your concerns into words?

I help Katy and Houston-area families organize their questions, understand school documents, and communicate with the school. Book a free consultation to discuss your next step, or read about our advocacy services.