When your child is due for a special education re-evaluation, you may feel unsure about what to ask or how to prepare. Re-evaluations can bring up a lot of information, from test scores to eligibility decisions to possible changes in services. Asking questions during the meeting helps make sure the team is making decisions based on the most accurate, up-to-date picture of your child’s needs.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that all students with IEPs are re-evaluated at least once every three years. This process helps the IEP team decide if the student still qualifies for services, and if those services are still appropriate. Sometimes this includes new testing, and sometimes it does not. Either way, it’s a key moment for families to learn more about their child’s progress and shape the IEP moving forward.
Questions About the Re-Evaluation Process
These questions can help parents understand why the re-evaluation is happening, what it includes, and how the results will be used.
- What data did the team review before deciding on a re-evaluation?
- Why was new testing recommended, or why was it not needed?
- What areas were re-evaluated, and how were they chosen?
- Who completed each part of the re-evaluation?
- What tools or assessments were used, and what do they measure?
Questions About the Re-evaluation Results
Once the team shares the evaluation results, it’s important to make sure they’re clear and connected to real-life learning and behavior.
- If my child is still eligible, how do the results impact their current IEP goals?
- What do the results tell us about my child’s strengths and areas of need?
- How do these scores compare to previous evaluations?
- Did the evaluation show any new areas of concern?
- How do these results affect my child’s eligibility for special education?
Questions About Changes to the IEP
Re-evaluations often lead to changes in services, accommodations, or goals. These clarifying questions can help parents better understand what’s changing and why.
- Are you recommending any changes to the IEP as a result of the re-evaluation?
- Do we need to add or remove any related services?
- Does my child still need the same level of support in the classroom?
- Are there any skills or goals that are no longer appropriate?
- How will we measure progress moving forward?
Questions About Advocacy and Next Steps
These final clarifying questions help parents stay involved and make informed decisions after the meeting is over.
- What happens if I disagree with the results or recommendations?
- Can I request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?
- Will I receive a copy of the full evaluation report?
- When will we meet again to review or update the IEP?
- What are some ways I can support my child at home based on these results?
And remember, you can always disagree with the IEP team and findings.
Re-evaluation meetings aren’t just about paperwork or scores. They’re a chance to reflect on progress, adjust supports, and plan for what’s next. When parents come with questions and feel empowered to speak up, the IEP team becomes stronger.
These 20 questions can guide meaningful conversations and help ensure that every decision made is in the best interest of the child. Remember parents, your questions are welcome, your voice is valuable, and your presence at the table makes a difference.
No one teaches us how to advocate—they just tell us to do it. But real advocacy requires real knowledge. The Intentional IEP gives you that: clear goals, training that actually makes sense, and tools that save you time. Because when you know better, you advocate better.