What must be included in a three-year re-evaluation process?

[Kelly]

My 8th grader should have had her three year re-evaluation done by December 2024 (we gave consent in Sept 2024).  I received a teacher evaluation report and a school psychologist report in mid February.  I asked when the meeting to discuss would be and was told someone would "arrange a call". 

A couple of questions:  (A) shouldn't the school have re-done all the tests that were done three years ago and (B) shouldn't there be an official CSE meeting to discuss the test results (that is in addition to the regular annual IEP review meeting, not part of or in lieu of)?

I'm in NY if that matters.  Thank you in advance for your feedback

[Carolyn Rowlett]

What areas were checked on the Consent to Evaluate form?  Yes, absent agreement between parent and school district to not evaluate, all areas (not necessarily the same tests) for which the student is still receiving services should be re-evaluated.  If they were not and if you want them to be, reach out and ask that they be done.

Yes, there should be a meeting to go over the results of the re-evaluation.  It would be in addition to the annual review, but the annual review could be done immediately following the meeting to review evaluation results.

[Kelly]

1 hour ago, Carolyn Rowlett said:

What areas were checked on the Consent to Evaluate form?  Yes, absent agreement between parent and school district to not evaluate, all areas (not necessarily the same tests) for which the student is still receiving services should be re-evaluated.  If they were not and if you want them to be, reach out and ask that they be done.

Yes, there should be a meeting to go over the results of the re-evaluation.  It would be in addition to the annual review, but the annual review could be done immediately following the meeting to review evaluation results.

Thanks - the form said:

• Classroom Observation
• Social History Update
• Psychological Evaluation
• Educational Evaluation
• Physical Exam (To be provided by the Parents)
• Speech/Language Evaluation

I am sending an email now to request that the rest be done and that a meeting be held to discuss all the results prior to her annual review.  The issue is that her annual review is currently scheduled for March 28th.

[Carolyn Rowlett]

What areas of disability are missing from the above testing?  You'll need to point that out specifically.

[Lisa Lightner]

First, yes, this is a problem—on multiple levels.

A) Shouldn’t they have re-done all the tests from three years ago?

Not necessarily every single test, but they must do a comprehensive evaluation. That means:
They can’t just rely on teacher observations and a psych report.
They must assess all areas of suspected disability (not just the ones they feel like looking at).
If they decided not to re-administer certain tests, they should have provided you with a prior written notice (PWN) explaining why.

If they skipped key assessments (like cognitive testing, academic achievement, speech/language, OT, etc.), you have the right to request additional testing.

B) Shouldn’t there be an official CSE meeting?

YES. A formal Committee on Special Education (CSE) meeting is required to review the results—and no, this does not take the place of the annual IEP review. They owe you a separate meeting for this. A phone call? Absolutely not. That’s not how this works.

Action Steps for You:

Send an email (in writing, always) requesting a formal CSE meeting ASAP to review the evaluation.
Ask for copies of all assessment results in advance so you can review them before the meeting.
If they skipped certain tests, request a clarification on why they weren’t done (and push for them if needed).
If they drag their feet, remind them that NY regulations require a full and individualized evaluation under IDEA.

 

Let us know how it goes!