Connecticut Special Education: Understanding the Reevaluation Process
by
Joseph C. Maya on Mar. 20, 2017
Other Education Civil & Human Rights Discrimination Civil & Human Rights Civil Rights
Summary: Blog post describing the process of your special education child being reevaluated every three years.
What is the purpose of a reevaluation?
The purpose of a reevaluation is to determine:
- The educational needs of your child and whether the child continues to be a child with a disability;
- The present levels of academic achievement and related developmental needs of your child;
- Whether your child continues to need special education and related services; and
- Whether your child’s IEP needs to be modified.
How often must my child be reevaluated?
The PPT must decide if your child needs a reevaluation at least once every three years. This may occur sooner if conditions warrant, or if you or your child’s teacher requests it. The federal law states that a reeval shall not occur more than once a year unless the parent and the school district agree otherwise.
How is a reevaluation conducted?
The PPT team reviews the existing data and decides whether additional testing is required to determine if your child continues to be eligible for special education services. Existing data may include information provided to the PPT by the parent, teacher reports and assessments, and school staff observations. If the PPT decides that no additional information is needed to determine your child’s continuing eligibility for special education services, it must inform you of that decision. If you believe additional information is needed to determine whether your child continues to be a child with a disability who requires special education services, you may request that the school district conduct additional assessments of your child. The school district must either conduct these assessments or request a due process hearing.
Does the school district need my written consent to reevaluate my child?
The school must obtain your written consent before conducting a reevaluation of your child. If you refuse consent, your school district may continue to pursue consent for the reevaluation through mediation and/or due process hearing. If the school district can show that it has tried to get your consent for the reevaluation and you failed to respond to the school district’s attempts to obtain your consent, the school district may proceed with the reevaluation as planned.
If you have a child with a disability and have questions about special education law, please contact Joseph C. Maya, Esq., at 203-221-3100, or at JMaya@mayalaw.com, to schedule a free consultation.
Source- http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Parents_Guide_SE.pdf
