Make your evaluation request clear and keep a record.

Describe the concern without diagnosing it yourself

Start with what you have noticed about learning or participation. Give a few relevant examples, including what the student can do independently and where help is needed. Include strengths and supports that are already useful.

You do not need to use a tutoring website to assign a diagnosis. Under 6.31.2.10(G), the public agency evaluates areas related to the suspected disability using multiple tools and information, including family input. It must not use one measure alone as the criterion for disability or educational programming.

Send the request to the school

Under 6.31.2.10(D)(2), a parent may make the request to licensed personnel at the school the student attends, orally or in writing. School personnel must forward or communicate it to the relevant special education director or administrator as soon as possible.

For a child who is not enrolled at a school, contact the responsible district or public agency about the appropriate Child Find route. Preschool families should use the age-appropriate public-resource pathway rather than assume an enrollment form or tutoring inquiry starts an evaluation.

An adaptable request example

The following is an original example, not an official NMPED form, legal document or required wording. Adapt it to your situation and send it through the school’s appropriate communication channel—not through this website.

Subject: Request for a full and individual special education evaluation.

I am the parent or guardian of [student], who attends [school]. I am requesting a full and individual evaluation to determine whether my child has a disability and needs special education and related services. My concerns include [brief observations and examples]. Helpful supports so far include [relevant information]. Please confirm receipt and explain the proposed next steps, including the evaluation notice and consent process or the school’s written response if it declines. You can contact me at [preferred contact method].

Keep sensitive student details in the appropriate private school communication. Do not publish the completed example online. A written request is distinct from the informed consent process for evaluation.

If school interventions are already happening

Section 6.31.2.10(B) says participation in the multi-layered system of supports does not prevent evaluation. A parent may request a full and individual evaluation before, during or after that support process.

This does not mean every request must result in eligibility or a particular service. If the agency refuses an evaluation, the rule requires prior written notice and procedural safeguards. The process guide explains the response timeline and its school-break exception.

Track the response, then the next step

Save a copy of what you sent, who received it and the date. If you made an oral request, a dated follow-up note can record what you asked. Ask for clarification if you are unsure whether the school understood it as an evaluation request.

Keep the response and consent records separate. The initial evaluation’s ordinary 60-calendar-day period begins with agency receipt of parental consent, not automatically with the first request. Read the process guide for the exceptions and later stages.

When a response is missing or you disagree

Ask the school to clarify the status and use the official NMPED procedural-safeguards and dispute-resolution resources for next steps. The state rule identifies mediation, state complaint and due process as safeguards; the correct route and deadlines depend on the issue.

This page is general educational information, not individualized legal advice. It does not calculate a complaint deadline or advise you to wait before seeking help. Parents Reaching Out is another New Mexico family-support resource. Buying a private tutoring or IEP consultation is not required to use public resources.