• School evaluations are conducted to better understand a student’s learning, behavior, and educational needs. When a student is struggling academically, behaviorally, or developmentally, an evaluation helps determine why those challenges are occurring and what supports may be appropriate.

    Evaluations are not designed to label students. Instead, they are tools used to guide decision-making and ensure students receive appropriate support within the school setting.

  • A school evaluation may be considered when:

    • A student continues to struggle despite general education supports

    • Concerns are raised about learning, behavior, or development

    • Progress is limited even with targeted interventions

    • A disability is suspected that may require specialized services

    Evaluations are typically requested by a school team or by a parent or guardian, depending on the situation.

  • School evaluations are comprehensive, meaning they look at multiple areas rather than relying on a single test or score. Depending on the concerns, an evaluation may include:

    • Review of academic performance and classroom data

    • Observations across school settings

    • Standardized assessments

    • Rating scales or interviews with teachers and families

    • Review of attendance, behavior, and intervention history

    The goal is to build a well-rounded understanding of the student, not to focus on one isolated area.

  • School evaluations are:

    • Designed to inform educational planning

    • Conducted by trained school professionals

    • Focused on how a student functions in the school environment

    • Guided by legal and procedural requirements

    They are not medical diagnoses, and they may look different from evaluations conducted outside of school settings.

  • Families play an important role throughout the evaluation process. Their input helps provide context, history, and insight that testing alone cannot capture. Families also have the right to ask questions, request clarification, and participate in decision-making.

    Clear communication between families and school teams supports more meaningful and accurate evaluation outcomes.

The Evaluation Process Step by Step

1.Referral for Evaluation

Concerns are formally documented, and a request for evaluation is made.

2. Assessment Plan and Consent

Families are informed about the areas to be assessed and must provide consent before testing begins.

3. Assessment and Data Collection

School professionals conduct assessments, observations, and data reviews.

4. Review of Results

Findings are compiled and reviewed by the team.

5. Eligibility Determination

The team determines whether the student meets criteria for special education or other supports.

How Long the Evaluation Process Takes (California)

In California, school evaluations follow specific legal timelines to ensure students receive timely support. While procedures may look similar in other states, timelines can vary. The information below reflects California requirements.

Referral for Evaluation

There is no fixed timeline for how long concerns may be discussed before a referral is made. This step depends on when concerns are identified and formally documented by the school team or family.

Once a written referral is made, the legal timelines begin.

Assessment Plan and Parent Consent

After a referral is made, the school has 15 calendar days (not including school breaks longer than 5 days) to provide an assessment plan to the family.

The assessment plan explains:

  • What areas will be assessed

  • Why those areas are being evaluated

  • Who will conduct the assessments

The timeline pauses until parent consent is signed and returned.

Assessment and Data Collection

Once the school receives signed consent, the evaluation process officially begins.

In California, the school has 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation and hold an eligibility meeting. This timeline does not include school breaks longer than 5 days.

During this time, school professionals:

  • Conduct assessments

  • Observe the student

  • Collect academic, behavioral, and intervention data

  • Gather input from teachers and families

Review of Results

Before or during the eligibility meeting, the team reviews all evaluation data together. Results are explained in clear terms, and families have the opportunity to ask questions and request clarification.

Schools must provide families with copies of evaluation reports, typically before or at the meeting, depending on district practice.

Eligibility Determination

At the eligibility meeting, the team determines whether the student qualifies for special education or other supports.

If the student is found eligible:

  • An Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be developed

  • Services begin after parent consent is provided

If the student is not found eligible:

  • The team discusses other supports that may be appropriate