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By Tonya Sams
Parenting is never easy and it becomes even more challenging when a child encounters difficulties at school. If a student is struggling with schoolwork, facing repeated suspensions, or dealing with other issues, additional support may be necessary. Requesting an evaluation for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) can help identify what support a child might need.
“What we recommend parents do is communicate with the school—preferably in writing and dated—asking for their child to be evaluated for an IEP,” said Emily Adams, a staff attorney in the Health & Opportunity Law Practice at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. “This doesn’t mean the child will necessarily qualify for an IEP, but a full evaluation will provide insight into their academic and behavioral needs.”
Under Ohio law, schools have 30 days to respond to an IEP evaluation request. To ensure accountability, parents should keep a dated copy of the written request as proof of when it was submitted.
An IEP evaluation is comprehensive, examining all areas of a child’s suspected disability. This includes assessments of cognitive performance, reading, writing, math, and social-emotional skills. It may also involve testing for occupational, speech, or physical therapy needs. Once the evaluation determines a student requires additional support, the school will develop an IEP tailored to the child’s unique educational needs.
“If a child is behind in math or reading due to a disability, the evaluation could reveal eligibility for an IEP,” Adams said. “The IEP would include targeted interventions in those subjects, providing specially designed instruction to address specific challenges. It could also offer accommodations, such as extended time for tests or homework.”
Disabilities addressed by an IEP are not limited to academic challenges; they can include mental health or behavioral issues.
“If a child has repeated behavior referrals, suspensions, or expulsions, it could indicate the need for an evaluation,” Adams explained. “An IEP might include instruction in coping skills or executive functioning to help the student succeed.”
Do you have a child struggling in school? Legal Aid may be able to help. To apply for assistance, call 1-888-817-3777 or complete an online intake form anytime at Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
Tonya Sams is a development and communications manager at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
