IEP Evaluation Process in Vermont
How long does Vermont have to complete an IEP evaluation?
Vermont evaluation procedures are governed by VT AOE Rule 2360.5 and 16 V.S.A. § 2941. Districts must conduct a full and individual initial evaluation before providing special education services, and informed parental consent is required before any evaluation (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.1). Vermont's evaluation timeline is 60 calendar days from written parental consent — a state-established calendar-day standard that begins running from the date written consent is received. 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. The student must be evaluated in all areas of suspected disability. Vermont permits SLD identification through both discrepancy and RTI/MTSS pathways. Evaluation reports must summarize present performance levels, disability category, and need for services. Reevaluations are required at least every three years (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.2).
What Vermont Requires
Districts must obtain informed written parental consent before conducting any evaluation; parental refusal to consent limits the district's obligation to evaluate (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.1; 34 CFR 300.300).
Vermont's evaluation timeline is 60 calendar days from the date written parental consent is received — Vermont uses calendar days, not school days (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.1).
Evaluations must use a variety of tools and strategies; no single procedure may serve as the sole criterion for eligibility (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.3; 34 CFR 300.304(b)).
Assessments must be non-discriminatory on racial and cultural bases, conducted in the student's native language or mode of communication (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.3; 34 CFR 300.304(c)).
Vermont permits SLD evaluation through either severe discrepancy or RTI/MTSS inadequate response to research-based intervention pathways (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.4).
Evaluation reports must include summary of results, disability category documentation, present performance levels, educational needs, and service recommendations (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.5; 34 CFR 300.306).
Key Timelines
Initial evaluation must be completed within 60 calendar days of receipt of written parental consent (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.1) — Vermont uses calendar days.
Reevaluation must occur at least every three years, or sooner when conditions warrant or parents/teachers request it (VT AOE Rule 2360.5.2; 34 CFR 300.303).
Reevaluation may not occur more than once per year unless parents and the district agree otherwise (34 CFR 300.303(b)).
IEP team meeting to determine eligibility and develop initial IEP must be held within 30 calendar days of the evaluation completion (VT AOE Rule 2360.6.1).