IEP Evaluation Process in Arkansas
How long does Arkansas have to complete an IEP evaluation?
Arkansas's evaluation process is governed by Ark. Admin. Code 005.18.10-001, §§4.00-6.00 and §7.00 (reevaluations). The process begins with a written referral, which triggers a referral conference within 21 calendar days. If the referral conference determines that evaluation is warranted, the district must obtain written parental consent. Once consent is obtained, the evaluation must be completed within 60 calendar days (§6.03.1.1) — this is from written parental consent, not from the referral. Arkansas's 60-day timeline is measured in calendar days, not school days, making it stricter than states that use school days. The evaluation must be conducted by a multidisciplinary team using a variety of assessment tools; no single measure is sufficient (34 CFR 300.304(b)). An Evaluation/Programming Conference (EPC) must be held within 30 calendar days of completing the evaluation to determine eligibility and, if appropriate, develop the IEP (§8.04.2.1.B). Reevaluations must occur at least every three years, and may be conducted more frequently if conditions warrant or if requested by parent or teacher (§7.00).
What Arkansas Requires
A referral conference must be held within 21 calendar days of receiving a written referral (Ark. Admin. Code 005.18.10-001, §4.03).
After written parental consent is obtained, the evaluation must be completed within 60 calendar days of consent — measured in calendar days, not school days (§6.03.1.1).
The evaluation must use a variety of assessment tools and strategies; no single measure may serve as the sole criterion (34 CFR 300.304(b)).
An Evaluation/Programming Conference (EPC) must be held within 30 calendar days of completing the evaluation (§8.04.2.1.B).
Reevaluations must occur at least every three years, or more frequently if warranted or requested by parent or teacher; a reevaluation may not occur more than once per year unless parent and LEA agree (§7.00; 34 CFR 300.303).
The district must document reasonable efforts to obtain parental consent; if the parent fails to respond, the district may proceed under certain conditions (§6.03.1.2).
For initial evaluation only: if a parent revokes consent, the district must stop all special education services; there is no obligation to convene an IEP meeting or provide FAPE (34 CFR 300.300(b)(4)).
Key Timelines
Referral conference: within 21 calendar days of referral receipt (Ark. Admin. Code 005.18.10-001, §4.03).
Evaluation: within 60 calendar days of written parental consent — calendar days, not school days (§6.03.1.1).
EPC (eligibility and IEP): within 30 calendar days of completing the evaluation (§8.04.2.1.B).
IEP services: begin no later than 30 calendar days following the IEP meeting (§8.03.2.1).
Reevaluation: at least every three years (34 CFR 300.303).