Parents often ask about the IEP reevaluation timeline. Reevaluations are key as they allow the IEP Team to determine whether the student is still eligible for an IEP and related services.
At least one time every 12 months, the IEP Team must meet to discuss the current IEP. This includes the school district reporting student’s progress on goals, and discussing and setting new goals for the next year.
Every 3 years, the school district must fully assess the student in all suspected areas of disability. They are known as triennial assessments. The results of this will be used to determine whether or not your student still meets one of the 14 federal categories and whether they still require related services.
The IEP reevaluation timeline starts with a plan for testing. At least 60 days before your child’s triennial IEP Team Meeting, the district will send home a form giving them permission to assess in all suspected areas of disability. This is the same form you signed for the initial IEP evaluation. As with the initial IEP evaluation, there is a list of areas the district proposes to test. Make sure that the boxes in all areas that apply to your student are checked. Then, sign and return ASAP. From the time you sign and return the form, the district has 60 days to assess and hold the IEP Team meeting.
What happens during an IEP reevaluation? This includes documenting current strengths, and determining areas where the student requires additional support. It can include reports from current teachers, academic testing, speech and language assessments, social skills. If your child has new support needs, this would be an excellent time to ask for assessment in the new area.
While the IEP reevaluation timeline is typically once every 3 years, there are times when it is sooner. Sometimes a student changes quickly, and the team wants more information around current levels and support needs and does not wish to wait for 3 years. It can be moved up several months or (in rare cases) by a year or more.
IEP reevaluations are a great tool to learn more about your student’s current capabilities, and where they need more support. If you would like help on this journey, we are here to help.
For help at your child’s next IEP meeting, more information about our special education advocacy services, or for a FREE 20-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for you, call or email today!
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