Understanding the IEP Evaluation Request Letter
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) evaluation request letter is a formal written communication to your child’s school district requesting a comprehensive evaluation to determine if your child is eligible for special education services. This letter initiates the process of assessing your child’s educational needs and, if necessary, developing an IEP tailored to those needs. It’s crucial to be clear, concise, and provide specific reasons why you believe your child might benefit from an evaluation.
Why is a Formal Request Letter Important?
Submitting a written request formally documents your concerns and starts the clock for the school district’s response. Federal law mandates timelines for school districts to respond to such requests. A well-written letter also allows you to clearly articulate your observations and specific areas of concern regarding your child’s academic performance, behavior, or other developmental areas. This ensures the school district has a clear understanding of why you are requesting the evaluation.
Key Components of an Effective IEP Evaluation Request Letter
A strong IEP evaluation request letter typically includes the following: your child’s full name and date of birth, the school they attend, your contact information, a clear statement requesting an evaluation for special education eligibility, specific reasons for your concerns, any supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s reports, previous assessments), and your preferred method of communication with the school. Being polite and professional throughout the letter is essential for a positive and collaborative working relationship.
Crafting a Personalized Letter for Your Child
While using a template can be helpful, remember to personalize the letter to reflect your child’s unique circumstances. Highlight specific examples of their struggles in the classroom, challenges with homework, or any behavioral issues that are impacting their learning. This personalized approach helps the school understand the specific needs of your child and supports your request for a thorough and appropriate evaluation. Consider also including any strategies you’ve already tried at home to address the concerns.
18 Sample IEP Evaluation Request Letters
Sample Letter 1: General Request
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name].
I have concerns about [Child’s Name]’s [specific area of concern, e.g., reading comprehension, math skills, behavior in class]. [He/She] is [briefly describe the issue, e.g., struggling to keep up with reading assignments, having difficulty understanding mathematical concepts, exhibiting disruptive behavior in class].
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2: Specific Concerns – Reading
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – Reading Difficulties
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name].
I am concerned about [Child’s Name]’s progress in reading. [He/She] struggles with decoding words, understanding reading comprehension, and completing reading assignments. [He/She] is often frustrated and expresses difficulty keeping up with the other students in the class.
We have noticed that [child’s name] also has difficulty sounding out new words and remembering what [he/she] reads.
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services to address [his/her] reading difficulties.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 3: Specific Concerns – Math
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – Math Difficulties
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name].
I am concerned about [Child’s Name]’s progress in mathematics. [He/She] struggles with basic arithmetic, problem-solving, and applying math concepts to real-world situations. [He/She] is often confused and avoids math-related tasks.
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services to address [his/her] math difficulties.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 4: Specific Concerns – Writing
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – Writing Difficulties
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name].
I am concerned about [Child’s Name]’s progress in writing. [He/She] struggles with handwriting, spelling, grammar, and organizing [his/her] thoughts in written form. [He/She] often expresses frustration and avoids writing assignments.
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services to address [his/her] writing difficulties.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 5: Specific Concerns – Behavior
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – Behavioral Concerns
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name].
I am concerned about [Child’s Name]’s behavior in the classroom. [He/She] has been exhibiting [specific behaviors, e.g., difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, defiance, aggression]. These behaviors are interfering with [his/her] learning and the learning of other students.
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services to address [his/her] behavioral challenges.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 6: With Doctor’s Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – Doctor’s Recommendation
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name].
We recently consulted with Dr. [Doctor’s Name], who recommended that [Child’s Name] undergo an IEP evaluation due to concerns regarding [specific concerns based on the doctor’s assessment]. I have attached a copy of Dr. [Doctor’s Name]’s report for your review.
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 7: Citing Previous Difficulties
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – Continued Challenges
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name].
[Child’s Name] has previously struggled with [mention previous challenges, e.g., reading comprehension, attention span]. While we have tried various interventions at home, [he/she] continues to face significant difficulties in [mention specific areas].
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services and a tailored educational plan.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 8: Requesting Specific Assessments
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – Specific Assessments Requested
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name].
Based on my observations and concerns regarding [Child’s Name]’s challenges in [specific area, e.g., reading, writing], I would like to request that the evaluation include assessments in the following areas: [List specific assessments, e.g., a comprehensive reading assessment, a written language assessment, a psychological evaluation].
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] is eligible for special education services and to determine the most appropriate educational support.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 9: Follow Up from Meeting
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – Following Up on Meeting
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name]. This letter is a follow up from our meeting on [Date of Meeting], where we discussed [Child’s Name]’s struggles in [Specific area of concern].
As we discussed, I have significant concerns about [Child’s Name]’s [Area of Concern, for example, reading comprehension or math skills]. I believe an IEP evaluation is necessary to determine the best course of action to support [Child’s Name]’s academic success.
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 10: Requesting Assistive Technology Evaluation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – Assistive Technology Evaluation
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name]. I am particularly interested in an evaluation that considers the potential benefits of assistive technology for [him/her].
[Child’s Name] struggles with [specific areas, e.g., writing, organization, reading] and I believe that assistive technology could help [him/her] overcome these challenges.
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation, including an assessment for appropriate assistive technology.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 11: Requesting Evaluation Based on Regression
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – Due to Regression
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name]. I am requesting this evaluation because I have observed a regression in [Child’s Name]’s skills in [Specific Skill, e.g., Reading, Math, Social Skills].
Specifically, [Describe Regression, e.g., Child was previously able to read simple sentences but now struggles with individual words, or Child could previously perform two-digit subtraction, but now has difficulty with single digit subtraction]. This regression is concerning and impacting [Child’s Name]’s performance in class.
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the regression and identify appropriate interventions.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 12: Requesting Evaluation after Transferring Schools
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – New School Transfer
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who recently transferred to [School Name] and is currently in [Child’s Grade].
At [Child’s Name]’s previous school, [He/She] was receiving support for [Mention the support received, e.g., reading intervention, occupational therapy]. Since transferring, I have observed [mention challenges observed since the transfer] and I am concerned that [Child’s Name] may need additional support.
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation to determine [Child’s Name]’s current needs and ensure a smooth transition into [School Name].
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 13: Requesting Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – Requesting FIE
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request a Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE) for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name].
I am requesting a comprehensive FIE because I have concerns about [Child’s Name]’s progress in [Specify Area of Concern, e.g., academics, behavior, social skills]. I believe a thorough evaluation is necessary to understand [his/her] unique learning needs and determine eligibility for special education services.
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for a Full and Individual Evaluation.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 14: Requesting Evaluation for Suspected Learning Disability
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name] – Suspected Learning Disability
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name]. I suspect that [Child’s Name] may have a learning disability.
Specifically, [Child’s Name] demonstrates significant difficulty with [Specify Areas of Difficulty, e.g., reading fluency, written expression, mathematical calculations] despite [his/her] efforts and our support at home. I have observed [Specific examples of struggles, e.g., reverses letters when writing, struggles to sound out words, has difficulty understanding math concepts].
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] has a learning disability and to identify appropriate educational interventions.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 15: Requesting a Re-Evaluation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for IEP Re-Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request a re-evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name] and has a current IEP.
I believe a re-evaluation is necessary because [Explain the reason for requesting a re-evaluation, e.g., Child’s needs have changed significantly, current IEP goals are no longer appropriate, there are new areas of concern]. Specifically, [Provide specific examples of why a re-evaluation is needed].
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an IEP re-evaluation.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 16: Requesting Speech and Language Evaluation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for Speech and Language Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request a speech and language evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name].
I am concerned about [Child’s Name]’s speech and language development. [He/She] exhibits [Specific Speech/Language Concerns, e.g., difficulty articulating certain sounds, struggles with expressive language, has difficulty understanding complex instructions].
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for a speech and language evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] requires speech therapy services.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 17: Requesting Occupational Therapy Evaluation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Subject: Request for Occupational Therapy Evaluation for [Child’s Full Name]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally request an occupational therapy (OT) evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s Date of Birth], who is currently in [Child’s Grade] at [School Name].
I am concerned about [Child’s Name]’s [Specify Areas of Concern, e.g., fine motor skills, sensory processing, handwriting]. [He/She] demonstrates [Specific Examples, e.g., difficulty holding a pencil, struggles to stay focused in class due to sensory sensitivities, has trouble with buttons and zippers].
I would appreciate it if you would initiate the process for an occupational therapy evaluation to determine if [Child’s Name] would benefit from OT services.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this further. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
