What to do before you send this letter
A strong letter is short because the record does the heavy lifting. Pull the right page, ask one answerable question, and save proof of delivery.
Find the record
Recent work samples, report cards, screening results, teacher emails, or behavior notes.
Name one answer you need
Ask for evaluation in the suspected areas instead of asking for a general review.
Use the template below
Customize the letter with dates, the specific IEP section, and the narrow request before adding extra background.
Review the IEP section first
Use the free IEP review to identify the page, weak wording, or missing record worth referencing in the letter.
"I've sat at over 500 IEP tables."
I'm Mary, a former special education teacher and administrator, a Special Education Advocate, and co-founder of The Advocate Ally with my son, Graham. I left the system to help families directly. I created this special education resource because too many parents feel pressured to accept generic, "cookie-cutter" IEPs.
The guidance below is grounded in the same practical, document-based questions I raise in IEP meetings every day. Use it to ask for clearer, more individualized support for your child.
Mary
Co-founder, The Advocate Ally
Before you send anything: Ground the request in the written record. If you have time, review the IEP section first. If this is urgent, send the narrow written request and save proof of delivery.
Use the letter as a clear request, not a legal threat
Copy the template, replace bracketed details, send it to the teacher, case manager, principal, special education contact, or district office that handles the issue, and save a copy. If the school responds, misses the point, or does not respond, keep that reply with your records before choosing the next step.
Important guardrail
This template is educational information, not legal advice. do not imply a diagnosis automatically requires an IEP, service, or school-funded outside evaluation. State rules, forms, timelines, and dispute procedures can vary, so verify current local procedures for urgent or high-stakes decisions.
- Step 1Copy the letter below.
- Step 2Replace bracketed details.
- Step 3Send it to the right school contact.
- Step 4Save the sent copy and attachments.
- Step 5Follow up in writing if needed.
Legal Basis
34 CFR §300.301 — A parent has the right to request an initial evaluation at any time.
Before You Send This Letter
The strongest parent letters are calm, specific, and easy to answer. Use the template, but attach only the records that support this request.
List the suspected areas of need before you write: academics, speech-language, OT, PT, behavior, attention, social skills, or adaptive skills.
Use two or three concrete examples that show the concern at school or in school-related tasks.
Check your state's evaluation-response timeline and keep the sent date easy to prove.
Evidence to Attach
- Recent work samples, report cards, screening results, teacher emails, or behavior notes.
- Private provider notes or diagnosis information if you want the team to review them.
- A short list of requested evaluation areas.
Keep It Narrow
- Ask for evaluation in the suspected areas instead of asking for a general review.
- Ask for consent forms or PWN if the school refuses.
- Save broader service requests until the evaluation data is available.
What Not to Say
Avoid: Accusations about why the school made the decision.
Try: Ask what data, records, or team discussion supports the decision.
Avoid: A request that tries to solve every school concern at once.
Try: Separate unrelated issues into short numbered requests or separate emails.
Avoid: My child's diagnosis means the school has to qualify them.
Try: Please evaluate how these suspected disability-related needs affect school access and progress.
Use This Letter When
Use this when the parent needs evaluation data, suspected areas, or outside recommendations reviewed. First pull evaluation request, current IEP, prior reports, progress data, teacher concerns, outside recommendations, and school response.
Use the right letter
- Use this template when the parent needs evaluation data, suspected areas, or outside recommendations reviewed.
- Use a dispute guide first if you still need to decide whether to request records, a meeting, PWN, complaint, or local help.
- Use an IEP audit/checker first if you cannot yet identify the weak IEP page, missing data, or unclear wording.
- Keep the letter narrow: state the suspected areas or evaluation disagreement and ask for consent forms, review, or a written refusal.
What to Check
- Pull evaluation request, current IEP, prior reports, progress data, teacher concerns, outside recommendations, and school response.
- Write down the date range, IEP section, school response, and one missing answer.
- Use the letter to state the suspected areas or evaluation disagreement and ask for consent forms, review, or a written refusal.
Red Flags
- The request relies on a verbal conversation but not the written record.
- The letter asks for a broad remedy before naming the IEP page, date range, or data source.
- The issue may affect services, evaluation, placement, discipline, safety, records, or complaint rights.
- The parent is about to send extra private information that is not needed for this request.
Documents to Gather
- Recent work samples, report cards, screening results, teacher emails, or behavior notes.
- Private provider notes or diagnosis information if you want the team to review them.
- A short list of requested evaluation areas.
Sample Finding
The record raises a real concern about evaluation and data request, but it does not yet show the specific page, date, data source, and written school response needed for the team to answer safely.
Parent-Safe Sentence
"Please review evaluation request, current IEP, prior reports, progress data, teacher concerns, outside recommendations, and school response and confirm in writing how the team will state the suspected areas or evaluation disagreement and ask for consent forms, review, or a written refusal."
The Letter Template
Copy & Customize
Dear [Principal/Special Education Director], I am writing to formally request that my child, [Child's Full Name], a student in [Grade] at [School Name], be evaluated for special education eligibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I have concerns about my child's performance in the following areas: [list specific concerns, e.g., reading, behavior, social skills, attention, motor skills]. Specifically, I have observed: • [Example 1 of concern] • [Example 2 of concern] • [Example 3 of concern] I understand that the school should respond within the applicable timeline with consent forms or Prior Written Notice (PWN) explaining why the evaluation is being refused. Please send the consent forms to begin the evaluation process to my home address listed above. I look forward to your timely response. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Date]
Pro Tips for Using This Letter
For formal evaluation requests, consider sending by email and using certified mail or another trackable delivery method so you have a paper trail.
Be specific about your concerns — don't just say 'my child is struggling.'
Include dates and examples of the struggles you've observed.
Keep a copy of this letter and note the date you sent it.
What Happens After You Send This Letter
Save a copy of the letter and the delivery confirmation (email receipt or certified mail tracking). This is your evidence trail.
Mark your calendar for the response timeline that applies to this request in your state. If you do not hear back, send a written follow-up referencing the original date.
If they schedule a meeting in response, prepare just like you would for any IEP meeting. Bring a support person and ask for time to review anything you do not understand.
If they refuse or propose a change covered by Prior Written Notice, ask for the notice in writing so the decision and reasons are documented.
Upload your IEP for a free audit before the meeting. The review can flag written gaps and weak language worth discussing.
Not Sure What to Ask For?
A letter is stronger when it points to the written record. Upload your IEP to flag document sections worth referencing and questions worth raising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send this evaluation Request letter by email?
Who should I send a Evaluation Request letter template to?
What should I attach to this evaluation Request request?
What if the school does not respond?
Do I need a lawyer to send this letter?
Audit your IEP before sending this letter
Find documented concerns first, then reference the relevant sections in your letter.
Review My IEP