How to Request a Special Education Evaluation (Alabama)

For Orange Beach families: clear steps, Alabama timelines, your rights, and a ready-to-use letter.

When to Request an Evaluation

If your child is struggling academically, behaviorally, or socially, you can request a free special education evaluation through the school. The evaluation determines eligibility for services under IDEA and what supports might help.

Alabama timelines (by law):
  • 60 calendar days from the date the school receives your signed consent to complete the initial evaluation.
  • 30 calendar days after the evaluation is completed to determine initial eligibility.

These clocks run even during scheduled school breaks (e.g., summer).

Step-by-Step: Alabama Process

  1. Send a written request

    Email or deliver a short letter to the principal and the Special Education Coordinator asking for a “special education evaluation.” Include your child’s full name, grade/school, specific concerns, and the date. Keep a copy for your records.

  2. Referral/Problem-Solving meeting

    The school convenes a team meeting to review data (grades, behavior, interventions). If the team suspects a disability, they’ll seek your written consent to evaluate. You must receive your Special Education Rights at or before this point.

    Consent starts the 60-day evaluation clock; schools must document reasonable efforts to obtain consent and provide rights notices.

  3. Evaluation (no cost to you)

    Multidisciplinary assessments may include academic testing, speech/language, psychology, behavior, OT/PT, etc. Schools complete all testing within 60 calendar days from receipt of your signed consent.

  4. Eligibility decision

    Within 30 calendar days after the evaluation is complete, the team—including you—meets to decide eligibility under IDEA categories and whether your child needs special education and related services.

  5. IEP development (if eligible)

    If eligible, the team drafts an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines goals, services, accommodations, and placement.

  6. If not eligible

    You can discuss general education supports and ask whether a Section 504 plan is appropriate based on your child’s needs.

Our Recommendation: Consider a Special Education Advocate

The process can be overwhelming. Many Baldwin County parents find it helpful to work with a special education advocate who understands IDEA, Alabama rules, and local practices. Advocates can help you prep for meetings, review data, and make sure your child’s rights are respected.

We maintain a parent-recommended list of local and state advocates (compiled from Baldwin County families). View the list (coming soon).

If You Disagree with the School

Request an IEE

You may request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree with the evaluation. Ask—in writing—for the district’s IEE procedures.

Mediation / Due Process

Alabama offers mediation and due process to resolve disputes. You’ll receive procedural safeguards explaining these options whenever you request an evaluation.

Sample Letter (Copy/Paste)

Tip: send by email and ask for confirmation of receipt. The 60-day clock starts when the school receives your signed consent form, but a timestamped request helps track the process. 

[Today’s Date]

Subject: Request for Special Education Evaluation (IDEA)

Dear [Principal’s Name] and [Special Education Coordinator],

I am requesting a comprehensive special education evaluation for my child, [Child’s Full Name], who is in [grade] at [school]. We have concerns regarding [brief concerns—reading, writing, math, attention, behavior, speech, etc.]. 

Please let me know the next steps to provide written consent for the evaluation. I appreciate a written acknowledgment of this request and a proposed date for the referral team meeting.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[Email]

When the school provides the Notice and Consent for Initial Evaluation form, sign and return it promptly—the 60-day clock begins upon the district’s receipt of your signed consent.

Quick View: Alabama Timeline

MilestoneDeadlineNotes
School receives your signed consent Day 0 Starts the 60-day evaluation clock.
Complete initial evaluation By Day 60 (calendar days) Runs through school breaks.
Eligibility decision meeting Within 30 calendar days after evaluation completion Team (including you) determines eligibility.

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