Texas School Speech Evaluations & ARD Help
Every Texas public school district has to evaluate a child for special education, including speech therapy, when a parent asks and the district suspects a disability. The evaluation is free. This guide explains the steps, the deadlines and how Oasis Speech can help.
In Texas, the IEP Team Is Called the ARD Committee
ARD stands for Admission, Review and Dismissal. The ARD committee includes you, teachers, a school administrator and specialists such as the school's speech-language pathologist. It decides whether your child qualifies for special education and writes the IEP (Individualized Education Program).
The Deadlines Texas Schools Must Follow
| Step | Deadline |
|---|---|
| You give the school a written request for an evaluation | Start |
| District either asks for your consent to evaluate or explains in writing why it won't | Within 15 school days of your request |
| District completes the evaluation (called the FIIE) | Within 45 school days of receiving your signed consent |
| ARD committee meets to decide eligibility | Within 30 calendar days of the evaluation report |
If your child misses three or more school days during the evaluation, the deadline moves back by the number of days missed. If you sign consent between 35 and 45 school days before the last day of school, the evaluation must be done and the report sent to you by June 30, and the ARD meeting is held by the 15th school day of the next school year.
Sample Request Letter for a School Speech Evaluation
“[Date]
To: [Principal’s name], [School name], and the Special Education Department, [District name]
I am the parent of [child’s full name], date of birth [date], a [grade] student at [school]. I am requesting a Full and Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) to determine whether my child is eligible for special education and related services, including speech therapy.
My concerns are: [describe what you notice, such as hard-to-understand speech, trouble understanding directions, stuttering, trouble with reading, or trouble with conversations].
Please send me the prior written notice and consent form. I understand the district has 15 school days from receiving this letter to respond.
[Your name] | [Phone] | [Email]”
Deliver it by email or by hand, keep a copy, and write down the date it was received.
Dyslexia Is Now Handled Through Special Education
Since the 2023-24 school year, Texas law (House Bill 3928) treats dyslexia instruction as special education. Schools evaluate suspected dyslexia through the same FIIE process, and the ARD committee must include someone who knows reading and dyslexia.
504 Plan vs. IEP: What's the Difference?
A Section 504 plan gives a student with a disability accommodations, like extra time or preferential seating, so they can access school. It doesn't include specially designed instruction the way an IEP does. Some students with mild communication needs get a 504 plan. Others need an IEP with speech therapy.
How Oasis Speech Helps With School Evaluations
Private evaluations you can share with the ARD committee
Going through the school's evaluation report with you in plain language
Helping you prepare questions and goals before an ARD meeting
Private therapy that runs alongside school services
Sherry Owais, M.A., CCC-SLP, has a background as a school-based speech-language pathologist, so she knows how the process works from the school side. You can invite anyone who knows your child to an ARD meeting. Ask us if you'd like Sherry to join by video.
Free Help From the State
SPEDTex, the Special Education Information Center, answers Texas parents' questions about special education at 1-855-773-3839 and spedtex.org.
Texas School Evaluation FAQ
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Yes, but it has to explain why in writing within 15 school days and give you a copy of your procedural safeguards. You can disagree and ask SPEDTex for help.
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No. The school does its own evaluation. You can share any outside reports you have.
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Yes. The ARD committee has to consider an outside evaluation you share if it meets the district's criteria.
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Children in private school or homeschool can still be evaluated by the public school district where the private school is located, or where you live if you homeschool. Call that district's special education office.
Get Help With Your Child's ARD
It takes about two minutes. We check your benefits first, then call you to set up the evaluation. Prefer to talk? Call (863) 663-2944.
See how school services work in Katy and The Woodlands, or all our Texas service areas.