IEP Timelines in Tennessee
What are the IEP timelines in Tennessee?
Tennessee has several state-specific timeline requirements for special education that parents and schools must follow, as codified in Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09 and Tenn. Code Ann. Title 49, Chapter 10. The 60 calendar day initial evaluation window is established in 0520-01-09-.05(1)(f). IEP implementation is required 'as soon as possible' after development, with a 14-day no-change period if agreement is not reached. IEP team meetings must be convened within 10 school days upon written request. Parent notice of IEP meetings must be given at least 10 calendar days in advance. Draft IEPs must be provided at least 48 hours before the meeting. MDR notice is required at least 24 hours in advance. Isolation/restraint incidents trigger IEP meetings within 10 days under specified conditions. State complaint resolution is 60 calendar days. Due process has a 30-day resolution period and 45-day decision window. Transition planning begins at age 14. Rights transfer at age 18.
What Tennessee Requires
Initial evaluation must be completed within 60 calendar days of written parental consent for evaluation (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.05(1)(f)).
IEP must be implemented as soon as possible after development; no change in IEP or eligibility for 14 days if agreement was not reached (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.12(3)).
IEP team meeting upon written request of any member: within 10 school days (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.12(4)).
State complaint resolution: 60 calendar days from receipt (34 CFR 300.152(a), adopted by reference).
Due process: LEA must convene resolution meeting within 15 days; resolution period is 30 days; ALJ decision within 45 days after resolution period (34 CFR 300.510(a), 300.515(a)).
Transition services must begin no later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 14 (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.12(2)(b)-(c)) — Tennessee requires earlier transition planning than the federal age-16 minimum.
Rights of majority transfer to student at age 18 (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.21).
IEP meeting notice: at least 10 calendar days before meeting (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.15(1)); draft IEP: at least 48 hours before meeting (0520-01-09-.15(2)); MDR notice: at least 24 hours before (0520-01-09-.15(3)).
Prior written notice for identification/evaluation/placement changes: at least 10 school days before proposed action (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.15(4)).
Key Timelines
Initial evaluation: 60 calendar days from written parental consent (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.05(1)(f)).
IEP implementation: as soon as possible; 14-day no-change period if no agreement (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.12(3)).
IEP team meeting on request: within 10 school days (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.12(4)).
State complaint resolution: 60 calendar days (34 CFR 300.152(a)).
Resolution meeting: within 15 days of complaint receipt (34 CFR 300.510(a)).
Due process decision: within 45 days after 30-day resolution period (34 CFR 300.515(a)).
Manifestation determination review: within 10 school days of disciplinary change of placement (34 CFR 300.530(e)).
Transition planning: begins no later than age 14 (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.12(2)(b)-(c)).
Rights transfer notice and transfer: at age 18 (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.21).
IEP meeting notice: 10 calendar days; draft IEP notice: 48 hours; MDR notice: 24 hours (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.15).
Prior written notice for placement/evaluation changes: at least 10 school days (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.15(4)).
Record amendment request decision: within 14 calendar days (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.22).
Restraint/isolation incident report to Department: within 5 calendar days (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.23(10)(b)).
FAPE age range: ages 3 through 21, inclusive, including children who reach age 22 during the school year (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0520-01-09-.09(2)(e)).