What constitutes consent in SPED?

• A. Written permission before initial evaluations and before providing services; consent may be re-sought for changes in evaluation or services.
• B. Verbal approval after a change in services.
• C. Consent only required for students aged 18 or older.
• D. Consent is not required for digital communications.

Answer: (A)

Consent means written, informed permission to evaluate a child for special education and to begin services. The requirement is to obtain this written consent before the district conducts an initial evaluation to determine eligibility and before it provides initial special education and related services. When the IEP team later proposes changes—such as a new evaluation plan, different services, or a placement change—the district must obtain consent again before implementing those changes. Verbal approval isn’t enough; the consent should be documented in writing and show that the parent (or eligible student) understands what will be done, why it’s needed, and what options exist. If the student is 18 or older, the student assumes these rights and can provide consent, but the same principle of written, informed consent applies. If consent isn’t given, the district cannot proceed with the evaluation or services, though there are processes to address disagreements through dispute resolution.