According to IDEA, what is required before a student can be evaluated for special education services?

Before a student can undergo evaluation for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), it is essential to obtain written permission from the student's parents or guardians. This requirement emphasizes the role of the family in the special education process and ensures that parents are informed and consenting to the evaluation before any assessments are conducted.

The intention behind this stipulation is to respect the rights of the family and to foster collaboration between the school and the home. It allows parents to have a say in their child's educational journey, particularly in matters that may affect their child’s learning and development. Without this consent, school districts are generally not permitted to conduct evaluations, highlighting the importance placed on parental involvement and advocacy in special education initiatives.

The other options, while potentially relevant to the education process, do not hold the same legal requirement for initiating an evaluation for special education services under IDEA.