IEP Evaluation Process in Kansas
How long does Kansas have to complete an IEP evaluation?
Kansas evaluation procedures are governed by K.A.R. 91-40-11 through K.A.R. 91-40-13 and K.S.A. 72-3404. The school district must complete an initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of receiving written parental consent for evaluation — this is consistent with the federal baseline (K.A.R. 91-40-11(c); 34 CFR 300.301(c)). If a parent does not return a consent form, the timeline does not begin. The evaluation must be comprehensive, using multiple measures and sources including standardized assessments, observations, parent and teacher input, curriculum-based assessments, and review of existing data (K.A.R. 91-40-12(b)). No single procedure may be the sole criterion for eligibility (K.A.R. 91-40-12(b); 34 CFR 300.304(b)). Assessments must be administered by trained personnel in the child's native language and must be technically sound (K.A.R. 91-40-12; 34 CFR 300.304(c)). The evaluation team, called the Evaluation Team in Kansas, must include qualified professionals and the child's parents (K.A.R. 91-40-11; 34 CFR 300.306(a)). A written evaluation report documenting findings, eligibility determination, and educational implications must be provided to parents (K.A.R. 91-40-11(e)). Reevaluations must occur at least every three years unless parent and district agree it is unnecessary (K.A.R. 91-40-12(a); 34 CFR 300.303).
What Kansas Requires
Initial evaluation must be completed within 60 calendar days of receiving written parental consent for evaluation (K.A.R. 91-40-11(c); 34 CFR 300.301(c)).
Evaluation must use a variety of assessment tools and strategies; no single procedure may be the sole criterion for eligibility (K.A.R. 91-40-12(b); 34 CFR 300.304(b)(2)).
Assessments must be validated for the specific purpose used, administered by trained personnel, and provided in the child's native language or mode of communication (K.A.R. 91-40-12; 34 CFR 300.304(c)).
Parents must receive a written evaluation report documenting findings, the eligibility determination, and educational implications (K.A.R. 91-40-11(e)).
Reevaluations must occur at least every three years, but may not occur more than once per year without parent agreement (K.A.R. 91-40-12(a); 34 CFR 300.303).
Existing data review may allow reevaluation without additional testing if the team determines existing data is sufficient to determine eligibility and needs (K.A.R. 91-40-12(b); 34 CFR 300.305).
Key Timelines
60 calendar days from parental consent to complete initial evaluation (K.A.R. 91-40-11(c); 34 CFR 300.301(c)).
Reevaluation at least every three years (K.A.R. 91-40-12(a); 34 CFR 300.303(b)(2)).
Written evaluation report must be provided to parents before the eligibility meeting (K.A.R. 91-40-11(e)).
IEP must be developed within 30 days of an initial eligibility determination (K.A.R. 91-40-17(b); 34 CFR 300.323(c)).
Sources
Related IEP Guides
How to Request an IEP Evaluation (Step by Step)
Learn how to request a special education evaluation for your child. Sample letter, timelines, what happens after you ask, and what to do if the school says no.
The IEP Triennial Reevaluation: What to Expect and How to Use It
Learn what happens at your child's 3-year reevaluation, what is tested, how to request one early, and how to use the results to strengthen your child's IEP.
Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE): Your Right to a Second Opinion
Learn what an IEE is, how to request one at public expense, what the school can and cannot do, and how to use IEE results in your child's IEP.