67 Kids and the Law could be made to help the child learn better (for example, moving the child’s seat or getting larger print books). If a change is made, it should be reviewed to see if it has helped. What assessments are used in a special education evaluation? The evaluation must include a “specialist” assessment of all areas related to a suspected disability (for example, a reading assessment consisting of read- ing tests conducted by a reading specialist) and an educational assessment that includes educational history and the child’s current standing in key areas such as reading and math. In addition, if the parent or guardian consents, the evaluation may also include health, psychological, and home assessments. Sometimes a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) of a child’s problematic behaviors is included to try to understand the context of the behavior and the reasons for the child’s behavior. Neuropsychological tests, a psychiatric eval- uation, and other assessments may also be included as part of the evaluation. What may happen if the parent or guardian does not consent to the school’s request for a special education evaluation or placement? A parent or guardian has the right to refuse consent, but the school may con- clude that the parent or guardian’s failure to give consent is educational ne- glect and file an abuse and neglect report (51A) with the Department of Chil- dren and Families. How long does the evaluation process take? After the school receives the parent/guardian’s written consent, it has 30 work- ing days to complete the initial evaluation.Within 45 working days of receiving the consent, the school system must hold a Team Meeting and present the par- ents with a copy of the IEP, if one is developed. Who is on the Team? The Team includes the parent or guardian, the child, if 14 or older, school per- sonnel, including one of the child’s special education teachers, one regular education teacher, and evaluators who can interpret the assessment results. Special Education Issues 7