Evaluations are how schools identify a student’s needs and determine the right supports. When evaluations are delayed, students can go without the help they need for months—or even years.

This page focuses on delays in the evaluation process and how they can impact your child’s access to services.

Warning Signs May Include:

• The school does not respond to your evaluation request within required timelines

• You ask for an evaluation, but the consent form is delayed or never provided

• Multiple meetings are held, but evaluation is not clearly discussed or acted on 

• Meetings continue to be scheduled without moving forward with an evaluation or providing a consent form

• Your questions pertaining to the types of evaluations and informed consent are not answered 

• Your signed consent is not accepted or processed when you include notes on the form

• The school delays starting or finishing the evaluation without a clear reason

• Evaluations happen very rarely, with little data collected over time

• The school does not evaluate in all areas of concern (for example: reading, speech, behavior, or adaptive skills)

Why This Matters

Delays in evaluation can:

• Prevent your child from getting the services they need

• Lead to decisions being made without enough data

• Create a cycle of meetings without meaningful action

• Slow down or limit your child’s progress

Schools are required to evaluate students in a timely manner and provide appropriate services. When this doesn’t happen, it can interfere with your child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under federal law (34 C.F.R. §§ 300.301(c), 300.101).

What Parents Can Do

• Put all evaluation requests in writing (email is best)

• Ask directly in writing: “When will I receive the consent form?”

• Request a clear timeline for when the evaluation will be completed

• If meetings keep happening without action, follow up in writing summarizing what was not addressed

• Each time you send a follow-up email, include the number of requests or how many days since your first request. This creates a clear record of delays and inaction.

• Request written explanations (Prior Written Notice) each time the school delays or refuses

• Keep records of all communication and dates

What to Include in Follow-Up Emails

At the top or bottom of your message, add a simple line like this:

• “This is my 2nd request (sent 14 days after my original request on May 1).”

• “This is my 3rd request. It has been 45 days since my initial request.”

• “Following up again—this is my 4th request over a 97-day period.”

• “This is now my 5th request. It has been 142 days since I first asked.”

Simple Tracking Log  Example