If a parent refuses consent for evaluation or reevaluation, what can the school district do?

• A. Pursue mediation/due process
• B. Pause all special education activities for 30 days
• C. Seek a court order to proceed
• D. Convene an IEP meeting without consent

Answer: (A)

When a parent withholds consent for an evaluation or reevaluation, districts must turn to IDEA's dispute-resolution options rather than proceeding unilaterally. Parental consent is required to conduct initial evaluations and reevaluations, but the district can pursue mediation to try to resolve the disagreement. If mediation doesn’t resolve the issue, the district can file a due-process complaint to request a hearing, and the hearing officer can determine whether an evaluation should be conducted. This process keeps the decision-making formal and protects both the student’s rights and the parent’s role in the process. Pausing services, seeking a court order to bypass consent, or holding an IEP meeting without consent aren’t appropriate responses to a consent refusal.