Navigating the special education process can be overwhelming, but understanding your rights and the steps to request assessments is crucial. If you suspect your child may have a disability and needs additional support, you have the right to request a special education assessment from the San Diego Unified School District.
To begin the process, submit a written request to your child’s school or directly to you current school or you can submit the request to the San Diego Unified School District’s special education department. Be sure to include your concerns, observations, and a request for a full evaluation. The San Diego Unified School District is legally required to respond within 15 days of receiving your request.
Once your request is received, the San Diego Unified School District will either provide you with an assessment plan or deny the request with an explanation. If an assessment plan is provided, you must sign and return it before evaluations can begin. The San Diego Unified School District then has 60 calendar days (excluding school breaks of more than five days) to complete assessments and hold an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting.
Assessments in the San Diego Unified School District should be conducted by qualified professionals in all areas related to the suspected disability. This can include academic performance, speech and language, motor skills, behavior, and more.
Parents are essential members of the IEP team, and the San Diego Unified School District must consider your input throughout the process. You also have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with the results.
Advocating for your child is important. If you’re unsure how to proceed, reach out to the San Diego Unified School District’s special education office for guidance. The San Diego Unified School District is responsible for ensuring all students have access to the services and supports they need to succeed.
Requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation in San Diego Unified School District
If you’re a parent or guardian navigating the special education process, it’s important to know your rights. One key right is the ability to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with the results of an evaluation conducted by the San Diego Unified School District.
An IEE is a private evaluation conducted by a qualified professional not employed by the San Diego Unified School District. You can request an IEE at public expense if you believe the district’s assessment was incomplete, inaccurate, or not comprehensive.
To start the process, send a written request to your local school or the San Diego Unified School District, clearly stating that you disagree with their evaluation and are requesting an IEE. The San Diego Unified School District must respond promptly—either by agreeing to fund the IEE or by filing for a due process hearing to prove their assessment was appropriate.
If the San Diego Unified School District approves your request, you will receive guidelines for selecting an independent evaluator. While the San Diego Unified School District may provide a list of approved evaluators, you have the right to request someone outside that list, as long as they meet district criteria.
The IEE can cover any area assessed by the San Diego Unified School District, such as academics, speech and language, occupational therapy, or behavioral needs. Once the IEE is completed, the San Diego Unified School District is required to consider its findings during your child’s next IEP meeting.
Requesting an IEE can be a powerful step in advocating for your child’s educational needs. The San Diego Unified School District is obligated to support families throughout this process and ensure every student has access to a fair and accurate evaluation. Don’t hesitate to contact the San Diego Unified School District for more information.
