Letter Templates

Parents might feel stressed about the IEP process and struggle with asking for an evaluation for their child in public and charter schools. Using a template can make it easier by providing a framework for parents to create a detailed request letter. 

REMEMBER, VERBALLY asking the school to evaluate a student is like it never happened. The request needs to be WRITTEN.  Below are suggestions for sending the request letter to the school.  

To locate staff emails, check the school or District website. If they are not available there, parents can contact the school front office and politely request the emails.  

Below are suggestions for sending instructions for requesting evaluations.

Letter Templates

 Disclaimer For All Templates

The templates provided is meant for general guidance and informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate and helpful content, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to review and personalize each template to fit their specific needs and circumstances.

By using these templates, you acknowledge that:

1. You have reviewed and verified the accuracy and relevance of the content to your specific situation.

2. You are solely responsible for the final version of any letters you send based on these templates.

3. I am not liable for any outcomes, actions, or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of these templates.

Please consult with appropriate professionals or authorities for specific advice tailored to your unique circumstances.

Suggestions for Sending an Evaluation Request

1. Attach the Request for Evaluation Letter as a PDF attachment. Use "Request for Evaluation" in the email subject field.

2. Address the email to the School Psychologist or Special Education Teacher for the grade level your child is in, THEN CC the following school staff members to the email.

• Special Education Teacher - Include only if the email is addressed to the School Psycologist.

• Principal

• General Education Class Teacher

• Occupational Therapist (OT) - Include the OT provider only if you are requesting an OT evaluation in the request. Seeking an OT evaluation can help determine needs in areas such as handwriting, fine motor skills, self-regulation, and sensory processing.

• Speech Therapist - Include the Speech provider only if you are requesting a Speech evaluation in the request.  A comprehensive Speech evaluation can identify needs in expressive and receptive language, communication, social skills, and more, beyond just a students ability to speak clearly.

• Physical Therapist (PT) - Include the PT provider only if you are requesting a evaluation for physical therapy evaluation in the request. PT evaluations can assist in identifying areas of need related to postural control, balance, strength and stability, motor control and coordination, endurance, functional mobility and accessibility within the educational environment, gross motor skills. 

3. Sample wording for the body of the email:  

Hello Ms. Berry, 

Please see the attached Request for Evaluation for my son Casa Nova. 

Gratefully, [Parent’s Name]

4. Other Advocacy Tips-

• If your child's grades are low, attach the most recent report card.

• If student struggles with handwriting, you can attach handwriting and work samples as a PDF attachment. 

Next Steps

After you submit your request, the school should contact you. There is a timeline the school has to reply to your request and to conduct testing. Click Here to learn more about these timelines.

The school participants in this meeting will vary based on the evaluations requested and areas of concern for the student. Parents have the option to bring any individuals they choose to the meeting, so it is advisable to inform the school ahead of time if you plan to bring someone with you. 

In all your communications with the school, it is important to emphasize the importance of kindness. As the quote states, "Anger doesn't build anything, it solves nothing and can destroy everything." 

Positive interactions are more effective than getting upset with the school. If you believe the school is not being supportive or attentive, there may be some aspects that you are overlooking. The IEP process comprises several stages. Special Education Advocates are available to assist parents throughout this process.