Learn what happens during a special education evaluation. Before the evaluation begins, parents must give written permission. After permission is given, the school has a required timeline to complete the evaluation. Qualified professionals gather information through observations, interviews, and testing to understand the student’s needs. The school shares a written report that explains the results and recommendations for eligibility and any special education and related services needed. If families disagree with the results, they can ask for one independent educational evaluation that meets the same criteria the school must follow.