Contents of Initial Evaluations and IDEA 2004

Initial Evaluations and IDEA 2004

Congress added a specific timeframe to IDEA 2004 within which initial evaluations must be conducted. This has been addressed in the regulations as follows:
The initial evaluation
(1)(i) Must be conducted within 60 days of receiving parental consent for the evaluation; or (ii) If the State establishes a timeframe within which the evaluation must be conducted, within that timeframe...[§300.301(c)(1)]

Lecture Notes

Initial Evaluations and IDEA 2004. During the 2004 revisions to IDEA, there was language that was added that requires school districts to conduct initial evaluations within a 60 day timeframe. This revision is in favor of the student and supports the need to have timely evaluations conducted so that services can also start in a timely manner.