Appropriate age groups:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

General purpose of letter:
This is a sample letter sent to the director of special education for your school district to request a multidisciplinary, comprehensive evaluation for your child. The evaluation will help you and your child's teacher find out why your child is struggling in school and to determine if he is eligible for special-education services.

When writing your letter, identify your child, his date of birth, his school, and his grade. Also indicate all areas that he is having problems, such as reading, writing, math, the ability to pay attention, and/or social skills. As an example, this letter addresses a child who is having difficulty with reading, math, and paying attention.

Sample letter:
Your street address
City, State, Zip Code
Date

Name of Special Education Director
Director of Special Education
School System Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Ms./Mr. (Name of Special Education Director):

I am requesting an individual evaluation for my child, (Child's Name), who is in (Grade Level) at (School Name). Her date of birth is (Birth Date).

I am concerned about my child's educational difficulties in reading and math, and her ability to pay attention in class. I would like the assessment to include speech and language, educational, reading, and psychological testing. I understand that the evaluation is to be provided at no charge to me.

I would like to meet with the special education chairperson for my child's school before testing begins so that I might share information and discuss the evaluation procedures. I would like a copy of the written report from each evaluator so that I can review them before meeting to discuss the evaluation results.

If you need my written permission for these tests to be done, then please send me the proper forms to sign.

I will call you to set up an appointment with the chairperson. Thank you for your prompt consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,
(Your Signature)

(Your Name)

Other suggestions and comments:
Keep a copy of the letter you actually sign and send for your records.

Learn more about special education, communication, and letters.

Adapted from "Special Education and Related Services: Communicating Through Letter Writing" published by National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities

Other sources:
The Parent Manual published by the Federation for Children with Special Needs, Boston, MA.
Parent's Complete Special Education Guide by Roger Pierangelo and Robert Jacoby.