No. As part of an initial evaluation or re-evaluation, federal regulations require that existing data on the child be reviewed. This data includes evaluations and information provided by the parent; current classroom-based assessments and observations; and teacher and related service providers’ observations. [20. U.S.C. Sec. 1414(c); 34 C.F.R. Sec. 300.305(a)(1).]

In addition, the school district must draw upon information from a variety of sources. These include aptitude tests, achievement tests, parental input, teacher recommendations and information about the student’s physical condition, social or cultural background and adaptive behavior. [34 C.F.R. Sec. 300.306(c)(1).] You can get copies of the evaluation data or protocols on which your child’s assessment report was based. Failure to share with parents the evaluation data on which evaluation reports are based can constitute a denial of FAPE if it impedes a parent’s participation in the IEP process. [M.M. v. Lafayette School District (9^th Cir. 2014) 767 F.3d 842; 64 IDELR 31.]