Arlington IEP Evaluations & Funding Appeals

Education Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Arlington, Texas, parents and guardians who suspect a child needs special education services must work with Arlington Independent School District (AISD) and may use state dispute processes to request evaluations or challenge funding decisions. This guide explains how to request an IEP evaluation, how funding appeals and dispute resolution work, what departments enforce the rules, and where to find official forms and contacts so you can act promptly and confidently.

Contact your child’s campus and the district special education office as the first step.

How to request an IEP evaluation

To start an IEP evaluation request, notify your child’s campus special education coordinator or the AISD Special Education department in writing. Include specific educational concerns, examples of how the child’s progress is affected, and any supporting records. The district must follow applicable federal and state procedures to determine eligibility. For district contacts and program information, see the Arlington ISD Special Education pages AISD Special Education[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Special education evaluation and funding processes are primarily administrative and remedial rather than punitive. Fines or daily monetary penalties for failure to evaluate or provide services are not typically used at the district level; specific monetary penalties are not specified on the cited page for AISD or TEA administrative remedies. The relevant enforcement mechanisms are administrative hearings, corrective actions, and orders from state agencies or hearing officers.

  • Enforcer: Arlington ISD Special Education department enforces local compliance; complaints can be directed to campus administration and the district special education office.[1]
  • State oversight: Texas Education Agency (TEA) monitors compliance and manages dispute resolution processes for special education; TEA also issues corrective actions when required.[2]
  • Fines/penalties: monetary fines for failure to comply are not specified on the cited page; remedies focus on corrective orders and placement/services.
  • Inspections and investigations: TEA complaint investigations and monitoring reviews may result in required corrective actions or negotiated settlements.
  • Appeals/review: parents may request an impartial due process hearing and may appeal hearing decisions to state or federal court; specific time limits and procedural deadlines are set by IDEA and TEA rules.
If you believe rights were violated, file a written complaint with the district and consider a TEA complaint or due process request.

Applications & Forms

District procedures vary. Contact AISD Special Education to request an evaluation and to obtain any referral or consent forms the district uses; some forms and procedural information are posted on the district site. If a specific district form number or fee is required, it will be shown on the official AISD page or provided by the campus; fees for evaluations are not specified on the cited page.[1]

Action steps: request, appeal, and document

  • Request evaluation: send a written request to the campus principal or special education coordinator and keep a dated copy.
  • Track records: keep assessment reports, communications, and attendance reports to document need and delays.
  • File complaints or due process: if unresolved, file a TEA complaint or a due process hearing request as described on TEA’s dispute resolution pages.[2]
  • Use official contacts: follow district instructions for submitting forms and requests; ask for procedural safeguards and timelines in writing.
Document every contact and request in writing and retain copies.

FAQ

How do I formally request an IEP evaluation?
Submit a written request to your child’s campus special education coordinator or principal; ask the district for the referral form and for procedural safeguards in writing.
How long will the evaluation take?
State and federal rules set specific timelines for evaluations; ask AISD for the district’s target timeline when you submit the referral.
How do I appeal a funding or placement decision?
You may request an impartial due process hearing or file a complaint with TEA’s Special Education dispute resolution office; follow the district’s resolution processes first.

How-To

  1. Write a clear, dated request specifying concerns and examples, and deliver it to the campus special education coordinator.
  2. Keep copies of the request and any district responses; ask for written timelines and procedural safeguards.
  3. If the district denies or delays evaluation, contact the AISD special education office and request next steps in writing.
  4. If unresolved, file a TEA complaint or request a due process hearing as described on TEA’s dispute resolution page.
  5. Consider mediation or settlement conferences to resolve disputes before or during a hearing.

Key Takeaways

  • Act promptly: submit a written evaluation request and document dates.
  • Use official channels: contact AISD Special Education and request procedural safeguards.
  • Escalate if needed: file TEA complaints or due process hearings for unresolved disputes.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] Arlington Independent School District - Special Education
  2. [2] Texas Education Agency - Special Education & Dispute Resolution