The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education ACT, IDEA requires schools to identify, locate and evaluate children with disabilities. Either schools or parents/guardians can request a special education evaluation for a child who is not yet eligible for special education. If the school requests the evaluation, the school must contact the parent/guardian and request written consent (permission) to evaluate the child. If you are a parent/guardian who wants to request an evaluation, send a written, signed and dated request asking the school to evaluate your child.