IEP Timelines in Alaska
What are the IEP timelines in Alaska?
Alaska has several state-specific timeline requirements that differ from or clarify the federal baseline. The most notable is the 60 calendar day evaluation timeline from parental consent to eligibility determination (4 AAC 52.510(b)) — Alaska uses calendar days, not school days, making this a firm deadline regardless of school calendar. Other key timelines include: annual IEP review (at least once per school year); triennial reevaluation (at least every 3 years); state complaint resolution within 60 calendar days; due process resolution session within 15 calendar days of complaint filing; hearing officer decision within 45 calendar days after the resolution period; manifestation determination within 10 school days of a disciplinary change of placement; and rights transfer notification at age 17 with full transfer at age 18. Transition planning begins at age 16. Early intervention (Part C) to Part B transition conferences must occur before the child's third birthday (4 AAC 52.990). FAPE continues through age 21.
What Alaska Requires
Initial evaluation: 60 CALENDAR days from parental consent — uses calendar days, not school days (4 AAC 52.510(b)).
IEP annual review: at least once per school year (4 AAC 52.540(d)).
Triennial reevaluation: at least every 3 years (4 AAC 52.520(e)).
State complaint resolution: within 60 calendar days of receipt by DEED (4 AAC 52.460(d)).
Due process resolution session: within 15 calendar days of district receiving the complaint (4 AAC 52.480(d); 34 CFR 300.510(a)).
Hearing officer decision: within 45 calendar days after the 30-day resolution period expires (34 CFR 300.515(a)).
Manifestation determination: within 10 school days of a disciplinary change-of-placement decision (4 AAC 52.560(b)).
Rights transfer notification: at age 17; full transfer: at age 18 (AS § 14.30.191).
Transition planning: begins at age 16 (4 AAC 52.550).
Part C to Part B transition: conference before child's third birthday (4 AAC 52.990).
Key Timelines
60 calendar days: initial evaluation timeline from parental consent (4 AAC 52.510(b)).
Annual: IEP must be reviewed and revised at least once per school year (4 AAC 52.540(d)).
3 years: maximum interval between reevaluations (4 AAC 52.520(e)).
60 calendar days: state complaint investigation and decision (4 AAC 52.460(d)).
15 calendar days: resolution session after due process complaint filed (34 CFR 300.510(a)).
30 calendar days: resolution period before hearing may proceed (34 CFR 300.510(b)).
45 calendar days: hearing officer decision after resolution period (34 CFR 300.515(a)).
10 school days: manifestation determination after disciplinary change of placement (4 AAC 52.560(b)).
Age 16: transition planning begins (4 AAC 52.550).
Age 17: rights transfer notification required (AS § 14.30.191).
Age 18: educational rights transfer to student (AS § 14.30.191).
Age 21: FAPE eligibility ends (AS § 14.30.180).