Evaluation
In Denton ISD, a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE) is conducted for special education services any time we suspect a student has a disability and a need for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A parent may also initiate a referral for an initial evaluation of their child when they have concerns about their child's learning or behavior. The parent should contact their child's teacher or campus administration for additional information about an evaluation for special education.
Once consent is given by the parent and prior written notice is provided regarding the proposed evaluation, a group of qualified professionals will conduct an evaluation in all areas of suspected disability to determine if the student has a disability and to determine his or her educational needs. The professionals conducting the evaluation may include educational diagnosticians, licensed specialists in school psychology, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and the teacher. Parent input into the evaluation must also be considered. The evaluation process for the student must:
- Include information about the student's academic, developmental, and functional performance;
- Be administered by trained and knowledgeable personnel;
- Be administered in the student's native language or other mode of communication; and
- Be unbiased, or given in such a way so as not to discriminate against your child, regardless of his or her cultural background, race, or disability.
The initial evaluation and the resulting report must be completed no later than 45 school days from the day the school receives written consent, except if the student has been absent from school during the evaluation period on three or more school days, the evaluation period must be extended by a number of school days equal to the number of school days the student has been absent.
If the child is under five years of age by September 1st of the school year and not enrolled in public school, or is enrolled in a private or home school setting, regardless of age, the initial evaluation and the resulting report must be completed no later than 45 school days from the day the school receives written consent.
After completing the evaluation, the multi-disciplinary team will complete a report. The report will be reviewed with the parent, and they will be provided a copy. The student's Admission, Dismissal and Review (ARD) Committee will then convene to review the evaluation results and determine whether the student is eligible for special education and related services. The ARD committee must make the eligibility determination within 30 calendar days from the completion of the initial evaluation report. The report will also include recommendations and strategies to implement to meet the student's identified needs.
Reevaluation
Once a student begins receiving special education and related services, periodic reevaluations are required. The school must make reasonable efforts to obtain your consent for a reevaluation. A reevaluation is similar to the initial evaluation. The reevaluation must be comprehensive enough to determine whether the student continues to be a student with a disability and needs special education services. Unless the parent and the school agree otherwise through the review of existing evaluation data (REED) process, a reevaluation of the student's needs must be done at least every three years. No more than one reevaluation may occur within a year unless the parent and the school agree. A REED must take place as part of any reevaluation of a child under IDEA. A school is not required to obtain parent consent to review existing evaluation data. The REED must be conducted by the ARD committee, including the parent. The members must review existing evaluation data about the student, including information from the parent, to determine the scope of the reevaluation. The ARD committee decides what additional evaluation, if any, is needed to determine whether additions or modifications will be made to the student's special education and related services. If the ARD committee decides that additional evaluation is not needed to determine whether the student continues to need special education services , the reasons for this decision must be explained to the parent. After explaining the reasons why the ARD committee has concluded that existing evaluation data are sufficient, the school does not have to conduct a new evaluation to complete a required reevaluation unless the parent requests that the school do so.
Each campus has a Special Education Supervisor who will assist parents and answer specific questions regarding student programs or concerns.
Initial Evaluation
Reevaluation
Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED)
Disability Criteria
