IEP Evaluation Process in Connecticut
How long does Connecticut have to complete an IEP evaluation?
Connecticut evaluation procedures are governed by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d(b) and Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10. Connecticut's most critical state-specific provision is that the evaluation timeline runs from referral rather than from parental consent: under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-76d(b)(2), the complete evaluation must be completed and the PPT must convene within 45 school days from referral, exclusive of time to obtain parental consent (RCSA § 10-76d-13). This is distinct from the federal 60-calendar-day standard triggered by parental consent (34 CFR 300.301(c)). Prior written consent of parents is required before an initial evaluation begins. Evaluations must assess all areas of suspected disability using a variety of tools and strategies, must not rely on any single procedure as the sole eligibility criterion, and must be non-discriminatory on racial and cultural bases with assessments provided in the student's native language (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10). Evaluations must be conducted by multidisciplinary teams with at least one specialist in the area of the suspected disability. Evaluation reports must include a summary of findings, eligibility determination, present levels, and recommendations for services. Reevaluations occur at least every three years. For SLD, Connecticut prohibits the IQ-achievement discrepancy model and requires SRBI (Scientific Research-Based Interventions) as the sole identification pathway (RCSA § 10-76a-2).
What Connecticut Requires
CRITICAL — CT-specific: the complete evaluation must be completed and the PPT must convene within 45 school days of referral, exclusive of time to obtain parental consent (RCSA § 10-76d-13).
Prior written parental consent is required before conducting an initial evaluation (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10; 34 CFR 300.300(a)).
Evaluations must use a variety of tools and strategies; no single procedure may serve as the sole eligibility criterion (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10; 34 CFR 300.304).
Evaluations must be conducted by multidisciplinary teams and must include at least one specialist in the area of the suspected disability.
Evaluations must be non-discriminatory on racial and cultural bases, provided in the student's native language (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10; 34 CFR 300.304(c)).
The student must be evaluated in all areas related to the suspected disability, including, if appropriate, health, vision, hearing, social and emotional status, general intelligence, academic performance, communicative status, and motor abilities (34 CFR 300.304(c)(4)).
Key Timelines
CRITICAL — CT-specific: evaluation must be completed and PPT convened within 45 school days from referral, exclusive of time to obtain parental consent (RCSA § 10-76d-13).
Parental consent for evaluation is a prerequisite — the evaluation may not commence without prior written consent (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10).
Reevaluation must occur at least once every three years, or sooner when conditions warrant or parents/teachers request it (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 10-76d-10; 34 CFR 300.303).
When the PPT determines no additional evaluation data are needed, parents must be notified and informed of their right to request evaluation (34 CFR 300.305(d)).