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/guardian/other education rights holder; current classroom-based assessments and observations; and teacher and related service providers’ observations.[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.[2] You can get copies of the evaluation data or protocols on which your child’s assessment report was based. Failure to share with parents/guardians/other education rights holders the evaluation data on which evaluation reports are based can constitute a denial of FAPE if it impedes a parent’s/guardian’s/other education rights holder’s participation in the IEP process.[3]