Texas evaluation and FIIE request overview

What FIIE means

In Texas, the comprehensive special education evaluation is often called a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE) when it is the first evaluation for eligibility. Reevaluations follow related rules.

An evaluation gathers information to decide whether a student has a disability under IDEA categories used in Texas, and whether the student needs special education and related services because of that disability.

How requests usually start

• A parent, teacher, or other knowledgeable person has concerns about learning, behavior, communication, motor skills, or other development.
• The parent or adult student puts an evaluation request in writing to the campus or special education department. Written requests create a clear record.
• The school responds under federal and state Child Find and evaluation procedures. That response may include consent forms, Prior Written Notice proposing or refusing evaluation, or both.
• If you consent, qualified evaluators complete assessments and a written report. Results go to the ARD committee for eligibility decisions.

Do not wait for a perfect template. A short dated letter or email stating you are requesting a full individual evaluation and listing concerns is a practical start. Keep a copy.

What parents should expect on timing

Texas and federal law set timelines for evaluation steps. Those timelines matter, and they have details: school days versus calendar days, exceptions, consent dates. SEN will not invent a countdown for you.

If the school refuses to evaluate, you should receive Prior Written Notice explaining the refusal. See PWN.

After the evaluation

• Ask for the written report before the eligibility ARD when possible, so you can read it.
• Bring questions: What do the scores mean in the classroom? Which needs are educationally relevant? What was not assessed?
• Eligibility is an ARD decision based on criteria and need for specially designed instruction. A medical diagnosis alone does not automatically equal special education eligibility.
• If eligible, the same committee develops the IEP. See ARD overview and ARD prep.

Independent evaluations (high level)

Parents sometimes seek private evaluations or request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense under IDEA conditions. That topic has specific rules. Start with procedural safeguards and TEA or IDEA materials, or get personal advice, before assuming the district must pay.

Official sources

• TEA SPED Family Resources
• Parent's Guide to the ARD Process
• SPEDTex
• IDEA
• OSERS

When to get personal help

Seek help if the school ignores a written request, delays without explanation, refuses evaluation without clear PWN, or if eligibility is denied and you still see major educational need. Free information: SPEDTex. See For Parents for support options. Attorneys are appropriate when you need legal representation.

Not legal or medical advice. Evaluation criteria and timelines belong in official sources, not in informal summaries.