IEP Evaluation Process in Nevada
How long does Nevada have to complete an IEP evaluation?
Nevada evaluation procedures are governed by NAC 388.337 and 388.340. Districts must conduct a full and individual initial evaluation before providing special education services, and informed written parental consent is required before any evaluation (NAC 388.300). The initial evaluation must be completed within 45 school days of receiving written parental consent — Nevada's state-specific timeline that differs from the federal 60-school-day default (NAC 388.337). If the district and parent agree to a specific timeline in writing, or in the event of exceptional circumstances, this deadline may be extended by up to 15 school days upon NDE Superintendent approval. Evaluations must use a variety of tools and strategies, must not rely on any single procedure as the sole criterion, must be non-discriminatory on a racial or cultural basis, and must be conducted in the student's native language or mode of communication (NAC 388.337; 34 CFR 300.304). The student must be evaluated in all areas of suspected disability. Nevada's scientifically research-based intervention (SRBI) provision (NAC 388.325) requires that districts provide targeted interventions before referral when a student has academic or behavioral difficulties. Reevaluations are required at least every three years, or sooner when conditions warrant.
What Nevada Requires
Districts must obtain informed written parental consent before conducting any evaluation; parental refusal to consent means the district may, but is not required to, pursue mediation or due process to obtain consent (NAC 388.300).
Initial evaluation must be completed within 45 school days of written parental consent — Nevada's state-specific timeline that is more stringent than the federal framework (NAC 388.337).
The NDE Superintendent may extend the 45-school-day deadline by up to 15 school days upon a school district's request (NAC 388.337).
Evaluations must use a variety of tools and strategies; no single procedure may serve as the sole eligibility criterion; assessments must be non-discriminatory (NAC 388.337; 34 CFR 300.304).
Districts must provide scientifically research-based interventions (SRBI) and notify parents of their right to request evaluation when a student has academic or behavioral difficulties (NAC 388.325).
Nevada uses Dyslexia screening and instructional provisions — IEPs must address dyslexia-specific needs when identified (NAC 388.284).
Key Timelines
Initial evaluation: must be completed within 45 school days of written parental consent (NAC 388.337).
Extension: NDE Superintendent may allow up to 15 additional school days upon school district request (NAC 388.337).
IEP development: must occur within 30 days of the eligibility determination (NAC 388.281(13)(a)).
Reevaluation: at least every three years, or sooner when conditions warrant or parents or teachers request it (NAC 388.337; 34 CFR 300.303).
When the team determines no additional evaluation is needed: parents must be notified and informed of their right to request evaluation (34 CFR 300.305(d)).