Schools are required to take action to guarantee that parents are present at each #ARD/#IEP meeting or are given the opportunity to participate. This includes notifying parents early enough to give them the chance to attend and scheduling the meeting at a time and location that both parties can attend. The school must permit parents who are unable to attend to participate via alternate means, such as calls or video conferencing. Unless the parents agree to a shorter timeframe, written notice of the meeting must be given at least five school days in advance.
STEP 1: The district must provide parents with a Prior Written Notice of their decision regarding whether to conduct an evaluation within 15 school days of receiving a request for an initial evaluation for special education services (full, individual, and initial evaluation [FIE]).
This notice must be delivered to parents at least five school days before the proposed or rejected action is taken.
A Notice of Action Refused or Prior Written Notice of rejection must be given to the parent if the district decides there is no justification for conducting the evaluation.
Parents must sign the district's consent form before the #FIE process can start if the district decides to conduct one.
STEP 2: The evaluation report is to be finished no later than 45 #school days after the school receives signed parental approval for the initial #evaluation.
The #timeline is extended by that many days if the student misses three or more classes during this time. Children under the age of five who are not enrolled in school or any child who is attending a private or home school are not eligible for the absence extension.
The evaluation must be finished and the written report delivered to the parent by June 30 if the written consent is received at least 35 but not more than 45 school days prior to the last day of instruction for the academic year. The evaluation must be discussed in the #ARD/#IEP meeting before the 15th school day of the following year.
The deadline would expire during the first few months of the following school year if the consent is given less than 35 school days before the last day of school. The timetable can expire in the first few weeks of the following school year if the student misses too many days of class if consent is given between the 35th and the 45th school day prior to the last day of instruction.
Step 3: To determine whether the child is eligible for special education and related services, an ARD/IEP meeting must be scheduled within 30 calendar days of the completion of the FIE report, with the exception of situations in which the 15 school day limit is in effect. If the team decides the child is eligible, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) must be created.
Before services are begun, an #IEP must be created. Unless the parent agrees to implement it earlier, the #IEP is put into effect five school days following the ARD/IEP meeting.
Annually: The ARD/IEP team must meet to assess the child's #IEP, determine whether the annual goals are being fulfilled, and make any necessary revisions.
At the request of a parent or the school, meetings may be arranged more frequently to address issues or concerns.
Every three years: The ARD/IEP team must examine past evaluation results and parent feedback to determine whether a reevaluation is necessary.
Within three years following the previous evaluation, the review and any subsequent reevaluation must be finished. The district must provide an evaluation if the parent wants testing even when the district feels that a reevaluation is not necessary.
The ARD/IEP team establishes the timetable for this testing if additional testing or a reevaluation must be conducted earlier than three years.
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Written by: Ashley C. Elliston