Special Education - Evaluation and Placement
Legal Information
This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Special Education - Evaluation and Placement issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Sample Letter Requesting an Initial Special Education Evaluation
This sample letter is from Appendix 2 of "The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates" handbook from the Education Law Center-Pennsylvania. This sample letter shows you what to include in a request for an evaluation. [PDF]
Sample Letter Requesting a Re-Evaluation
This sample letter is from Appendix 3 of "The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates" handbook from the Education Law Center-Pennsylvania. This sample letter showing you what to include in a request for re-evaluation of your child. [PDF]
Sample Letter for Requesting an Independent Evaluation of Your Child
This sample letter is from Appendix 4 of "The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates" handbook from the Education Law Center - Pennsylvania. This sample letter shows you what to include in your request for an Independent Educational Evaluation of your child. [PDF]
Educational Rights of Children with Special Needs
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] (August 2013)
Education Rights for Mentally Gifted Students
Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. (September 2014)
Education Rights for Students with Disabilities
Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. (September 2014)
Getting a Special Education Evaluation for Your Child
Chapter 3 of "The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates" handbook from the Education Law Center-Pennsylvania. This provides information on how to get your school district to do a Special Education Evaluation to determine the educational needs of your child. [PDF] (2016)
Getting Your Child an Independent Educational Evaluation
Chapter 4 of "The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates" handbook from the Education Law Center-Pennsylvania. This provides information on what an Independent Educational Evaluation is; when it is a good idea to get one; and how to proceed to get one. [PDF] (2016)
Sample Letter Requesting an Initial Special Education Evaluation
This sample letter is from Appendix 2 of "The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates" handbook from the Education Law Center-Pennsylvania. This sample letter shows you what to include in a request for an evaluation. [PDF]
Sample Letter Requesting a Re-Evaluation
This sample letter is from Appendix 3 of "The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates" handbook from the Education Law Center-Pennsylvania. This sample letter showing you what to include in a request for re-evaluation of your child. [PDF]
Sample Letter for Requesting an Independent Evaluation of Your Child
This sample letter is from Appendix 4 of "The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates" handbook from the Education Law Center - Pennsylvania. This sample letter shows you what to include in your request for an Independent Educational Evaluation of your child. [PDF]
Deciding Where Your Child Will Get Services: The Placement Decision
Chapter 7 of "The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates" handbook from the Education Law Center-Pennsylvania. This discusses how a decision is made as to your child's placement (where and how instruction will be delivered) after the IEP Team decides on an appropriate program of study for your child.
Chapter 14 and IDEA: A comparison of Special Education Rights
This is a SIDE-BY-SIDE QUICK REFERENCE from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (provided by Disability Rights Pennsylvania), comparing Chapter 14, Special Education Services and Programs (State Regulations) to Part 300, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Federal Regulations).(September 19, 2008) [PDF]
Education Law Center
The Education Law Center is a non-profit legal advocacy and educational organization, dedicated to ensuring that all of Pennsylvania's children have access to a quality public education.
Special Education Evaluations
Information on Special Education Evaluations. Before a child can begin receiving special education services, the child must be evaluated to determine if the child is eligible for these services. The evaluation helps determine if the child has a disability and needs special education services. The evaluation is also important to identify changes to instruction, services, and supports the child needs to succeed. (August 2021)
The Right to Special Education In Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates [PDF]
This Guide describes the legal rules that govern the special education and early intervention programs in Pennsylvania for children from age three until schooling ends. (2021)
IEP Facilitation
IEP facilitation is a voluntary process that can be used when all parties to an IEP meeting agree that the presence of a neutral third party would help facilitate communication and the successful drafting of the student’s IEP. The Office for Dispute Resolution (Special Education) offers information on how the process works.
Special Education Timelines
This booklet cites the special education timelines in accordance with the requirements of Pennsylvania law, Chapter 711 Charter School and Cyber Charter School Services and Programs for Children with Disabilities, Chapter 14 Special Education Services and Programs and Federal Regulations Part 300, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (May 2018)