IEP Evaluation Process in Tennessee
How long does Tennessee have to complete an IEP evaluation?
Tennessee requires a comprehensive initial evaluation before determining a child's eligibility for special education services. Under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.11 (Evaluation Procedures), the Department establishes standards for evaluation procedures and eligibility criteria in consultation with the Advisory Council for the Education of Students with Disabilities. The evaluation timeline is 60 calendar days from the receipt of written parental consent, established in 0520-01-09-.05(1)(f) — this is consistent with the federal 60-day baseline in 34 CFR 300.301(c)(1). Parental consent requirements are addressed in 0520-01-09-.04, which requires informed written consent for initial evaluations, reevaluations, and functional behavior assessments (0520-01-09-.04(1)). Tennessee's child find obligations under Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-108 require every school district to test and examine, or cause to be tested and examined, each Tennessee resident attending a private school within its boundaries to determine whether such child is disabled. Child find procedures are also addressed in 0520-01-09-.05(1), which requires LEAs to establish written procedures for accepting, processing, and documenting receipt of each referral. Evaluations must use multiple measures, be conducted in the child's native language, and be free of racial or cultural discrimination. Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-106 authorizes the State Board to adopt standards for evaluation procedures and eligibility criteria.
What Tennessee Requires
A full and individual initial evaluation must be conducted before a child is provided special education and related services (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.11; 34 CFR 300.301).
Written parental consent must be obtained before conducting the initial evaluation, reevaluation, and functional behavior assessment (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.04(1); 34 CFR 300.300).
The evaluation must use multiple measures — no single test or criterion may be the sole basis for an eligibility determination (34 CFR 300.304(b)(2)).
Evaluations must be conducted in the child's native language or mode of communication and must use technically sound instruments (34 CFR 300.304(c)).
The Department establishes standards for evaluation procedures and eligibility criteria in consultation with the Advisory Council for the Education of Students with Disabilities (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.11; Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-106).
Every school district must test and examine Tennessee residents attending private schools within its boundaries to identify children with disabilities (child find) (Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-108).
LEAs must establish written procedures for accepting, processing, and documenting receipt of each referral (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.05(1)).
The LEA must provide parents with a copy of the evaluation report and eligibility determination (34 CFR 300.306(a)(2)).
Key Timelines
The initial evaluation must be completed within 60 calendar days of receiving written parental consent (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.05(1)(f)).
Reevaluation must occur at least once every three years (triennial) unless the parent and LEA agree it is unnecessary; reevaluation may not occur more than once per year without parental consent (34 CFR 300.303).
A reevaluation must be conducted if the LEA determines it is needed or if the child's parent or teacher requests it (34 CFR 300.303(a)).
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.