LAC 28:CI.509. Required Initial Individual Evaluation

A. A comprehensive initial evaluation must be conducted before the initial provision of special education and related services to a student. Either a parent of a student or a public agency may initiate a request for an initial evaluation to determine if the student has an exceptionality. B. An initial individual evaluation shall be conducted when informed parental consent for the initial individual evaluation has been received by the LEA. If a request was made for an evaluation during the time period in which the student is subject to disciplinary measures, the evaluation shall be conducted in an expedited manner as defined in §511, Evaluation Timelines. C. If the LEA suspects that the student is exceptional, an evaluation shall be conducted with parental consent. If the LEA does not suspect that the student is exceptional, then it may refuse to conduct an evaluation. The SBLC, through interventions, may attempt to resolve the student's difficulties. When an LEA refuses to initiate an evaluation upon parental request, the parents must be given a written explanation of the reason for the decision according to the requirements listed in Chapter 5 of Bulletin 1706 and provided a copy of their rights, which includes the right to a due process hearing.