IEP Evaluation Process in Louisiana
How long does Louisiana have to complete an IEP evaluation?
Louisiana's evaluation timeline is one of the most distinctive state-specific rules: initial evaluations must be completed within 60 BUSINESS DAYS of receiving parental consent (Bulletin 1508, §511; Bulletin 1706, §302(C)). This is significantly longer than states that use 60 calendar days and reflects Louisiana's use of business days. Two extensions are permitted: (1) End-of-Year Extension — if fewer than 60 business days remain in the school year when consent is obtained, the days used before June 1 are subtracted and the timeline resumes on September 1; and (2) Parent-Approved Extension — if the LEA is making sufficient progress but needs more time, the parent and LEA may agree to a specific extended completion date. Reevaluations must occur at least every three years; earlier reevaluation is required when the LEA determines it is warranted, when a teacher or parent requests it, or when a significant placement change to a more restrictive setting is proposed (Bulletin 1508, §§1101(A), 1105). Louisiana's evaluation team is called a 'pupil appraisal team.' Parental consent is required for initial evaluations; reevaluation consent is required unless the LEA has made reasonable efforts to obtain it and the parent has not responded.
What Louisiana Requires
Initial evaluations must be completed within 60 BUSINESS DAYS of parental consent — not calendar days — making Louisiana's timeline longer than many states (Bulletin 1508, §511; Bulletin 1706, §302(C)).
Bulletin 1508, §511; Bulletin 1706, §302(C)
End-of-Year Extension: if fewer than 60 business days remain in the school year when consent is signed, days used before June 1 are subtracted and the timeline resumes September 1 (Bulletin 1508, §511).
Bulletin 1508, §511
Parent-Approved Extension: LEA and parent may agree in writing to extend the timeline when the LEA is making sufficient progress but needs more time (Bulletin 1508, §511).
Bulletin 1508, §511
Reevaluations must occur at least every three years; earlier reevaluation is required when warranted by student needs, requested by parent or teacher, or before a significant placement change to a more restrictive setting (Bulletin 1508, §§304(b)(2), 1101(A)).
Bulletin 1508, §§304(b)(2), 1101(A)
The Louisiana pupil appraisal team must use a variety of assessment tools and procedures; no single measure may be the sole criterion (Bulletin 1508, §302).
Bulletin 1508, §302
Key Timelines
Initial evaluation: 60 BUSINESS DAYS from parental consent (Bulletin 1508, §511).
Summer interruption: timeline pauses and resumes September 1 if year-end; days used before June 1 are subtracted from the 60-day count (Bulletin 1508, §511).
Reevaluation: at least every 3 years; earlier if warranted (Bulletin 1508, §304(b)(2)).
IEP must be developed within 30 calendar days of eligibility determination (Bulletin 1530, §105(A)).