§ 1414. Evaluations, eligibility determinations, individualized education programs, and educational placements
(a)
Evaluations, parental consent, and reevaluations
(1)
Initial evaluations
(A)
In general
A State educational agency, other State agency, or local educational agency shall conduct a full and individual initial evaluation in accordance with this paragraph and subsection (b), before the initial provision of special education and related services to a child with a disability under this subchapter.
(B)
Request for initial evaluation
Consistent with subparagraph (D), either a parent of a child, or a State educational agency, other State agency, or local educational agency may initiate a request for an initial evaluation to determine if the child is a child with a disability.
(C)
Procedures
(i)
In general
Such initial evaluation shall consist of procedures—
(ii)
Exception
The relevant timeframe in clause (i)(I) shall not apply to a local educational agency if—
(I)
a child enrolls in a school served by the local educational agency after the relevant timeframe in clause (i)(I) has begun and prior to a determination by the child’s previous local educational agency as to whether the child is a child with a disability (as defined in section
1401 of this title), but only if the subsequent local educational agency is making sufficient progress to ensure a prompt completion of the evaluation, and the parent and subsequent local educational agency agree to a specific time when the evaluation will be completed; or
(D)
Parental consent
(i)
In general
(I)
Consent for initial evaluation
The agency proposing to conduct an initial evaluation to determine if the child qualifies as a child with a disability as defined in section
1401 of this title shall obtain informed consent from the parent of such child before conducting the evaluation. Parental consent for evaluation shall not be construed as consent for placement for receipt of special education and related services.
(II)
Consent for services
An agency that is responsible for making a free appropriate public education available to a child with a disability under this subchapter shall seek to obtain informed consent from the parent of such child before providing special education and related services to the child.
(ii)
Absence of consent
(I)
For initial evaluation
If the parent of such child does not provide consent for an initial evaluation under clause (i)(I), or the parent fails to respond to a request to provide the consent, the local educational agency may pursue the initial evaluation of the child by utilizing the procedures described in section
1415 of this title, except to the extent inconsistent with State law relating to such parental consent.
(II)
For services
If the parent of such child refuses to consent to services under clause (i)(II), the local educational agency shall not provide special education and related services to the child by utilizing the procedures described in section
1415 of this title.
(III)
Effect on agency obligations
If the parent of such child refuses to consent to the receipt of special education and related services, or the parent fails to respond to a request to provide such consent—
(aa)
the local educational agency shall not be considered to be in violation of the requirement to make available a free appropriate public education to the child for the failure to provide such child with the special education and related services for which the local educational agency requests such consent; and
(iii)
Consent for wards of the State
(I)
In general
If the child is a ward of the State and is not residing with the child’s parent, the agency shall make reasonable efforts to obtain the informed consent from the parent (as defined in section
1401 of this title) of the child for an initial evaluation to determine whether the child is a child with a disability.
(II)
Exception
The agency shall not be required to obtain informed consent from the parent of a child for an initial evaluation to determine whether the child is a child with a disability if—
(2)
Reevaluations
(A)
In general
A local educational agency shall ensure that a reevaluation of each child with a disability is conducted in accordance with subsections (b) and (c)—
(b)
Evaluation procedures
(1)
Notice
The local educational agency shall provide notice to the parents of a child with a disability, in accordance with subsections (b)(3), (b)(4), and (c) of section
1415 of this title, that describes any evaluation procedures such agency proposes to conduct.
(2)
Conduct of evaluation
In conducting the evaluation, the local educational agency shall—
(A)
use a variety of assessment tools and strategies to gather relevant functional, developmental, and academic information, including information provided by the parent, that may assist in determining—
(3)
Additional requirements
Each local educational agency shall ensure that—
(A)
assessments and other evaluation materials used to assess a child under this section—
(4)
Determination of eligibility and educational need
Upon completion of the administration of assessments and other evaluation measures—
(5)
Special rule for eligibility determination
In making a determination of eligibility under paragraph (4)(A), a child shall not be determined to be a child with a disability if the determinant factor for such determination is—
(6)
Specific learning disabilities
(A)
In general
Notwithstanding section
1406
(b) of this title, when determining whether a child has a specific learning disability as defined in section
1401 of this title, a local educational agency shall not be required to take into consideration whether a child has a severe discrepancy between achievement and intellectual ability in oral expression, listening comprehension, written expression, basic reading skill, reading comprehension, mathematical calculation, or mathematical reasoning.
(c)
Additional requirements for evaluation and reevaluations
(1)
Review of existing evaluation data
As part of an initial evaluation (if appropriate) and as part of any reevaluation under this section, the IEP Team and other qualified professionals, as appropriate, shall—
(B)
on the basis of that review, and input from the child’s parents, identify what additional data, if any, are needed to determine—
(i)
whether the child is a child with a disability as defined in section
1401
(3) of this title, and the educational needs of the child, or, in case of a reevaluation of a child, whether the child continues to have such a disability and such educational needs;
(2)
Source of data
The local educational agency shall administer such assessments and other evaluation measures as may be needed to produce the data identified by the IEP Team under paragraph (1)(B).
(3)
Parental consent
Each local educational agency shall obtain informed parental consent, in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(D), prior to conducting any reevaluation of a child with a disability, except that such informed parental consent need not be obtained if the local educational agency can demonstrate that it had taken reasonable measures to obtain such consent and the child’s parent has failed to respond.
(4)
Requirements if additional data are not needed
If the IEP Team and other qualified professionals, as appropriate, determine that no additional data are needed to determine whether the child continues to be a child with a disability and to determine the child’s educational needs, the local educational agency—
(5)
Evaluations before change in eligibility
(A)
In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a local educational agency shall evaluate a child with a disability in accordance with this section before determining that the child is no longer a child with a disability.
(B)
Exception
(i)
In general
The evaluation described in subparagraph (A) shall not be required before the termination of a child’s eligibility under this subchapter due to graduation from secondary school with a regular diploma, or due to exceeding the age eligibility for a free appropriate public education under State law.
(ii)
Summary of performance
For a child whose eligibility under this subchapter terminates under circumstances described in clause (i), a local educational agency shall provide the child with a summary of the child’s academic achievement and functional performance, which shall include recommendations on how to assist the child in meeting the child’s postsecondary goals.
(d)
Individualized education programs
(1)
Definitions
In this chapter:
(A)
Individualized education program
(i)
In general
The term “individualized education program” or “IEP” means a written statement for each child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with this section and that includes—
(I)
a statement of the child’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, including—
(aa)
how the child’s disability affects the child’s involvement and progress in the general education curriculum;
(II)
a statement of measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals, designed to—
(III)
a description of how the child’s progress toward meeting the annual goals described in subclause (II) will be measured and when periodic reports on the progress the child is making toward meeting the annual goals (such as through the use of quarterly or other periodic reports, concurrent with the issuance of report cards) will be provided;
(IV)
a statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided for the child—
(V)
an explanation of the extent, if any, to which the child will not participate with nondisabled children in the regular class and in the activities described in subclause (IV)(cc);
(VI)
(aa)
a statement of any individual appropriate accommodations that are necessary to measure the academic achievement and functional performance of the child on State and districtwide assessments consistent with section
1412
(a)(16)(A) of this title; and
(BB)
the particular alternate assessment selected is appropriate for the child;
(VII)
the projected date for the beginning of the services and modifications described in subclause (IV), and the anticipated frequency, location, and duration of those services and modifications; and
(VIII)
beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child is 16, and updated annually thereafter—
(aa)
appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills;
(bb)
the transition services (including courses of study) needed to assist the child in reaching those goals; and
(B)
Individualized education program team
The term “individualized education program team” or “IEP Team” means a group of individuals composed of—
(ii)
not less than 1 regular education teacher of such child (if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment);
(iii)
not less than 1 special education teacher, or where appropriate, not less than 1 special education provider of such child;
(iv)
a representative of the local educational agency who—
(v)
an individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results, who may be a member of the team described in clauses (ii) through (vi);
(C)
IEP Team attendance
(i)
Attendance not necessary
A member of the IEP Team shall not be required to attend an IEP meeting, in whole or in part, if the parent of a child with a disability and the local educational agency agree that the attendance of such member is not necessary because the member’s area of the curriculum or related services is not being modified or discussed in the meeting.
(D)
IEP Team transition
In the case of a child who was previously served under subchapter III, an invitation to the initial IEP meeting shall, at the request of the parent, be sent to the subchapter III service coordinator or other representatives of the subchapter III system to assist with the smooth transition of services.
(2)
Requirement that program be in effect
(A)
In general
At the beginning of each school year, each local educational agency, State educational agency, or other State agency, as the case may be, shall have in effect, for each child with a disability in the agency’s jurisdiction, an individualized education program, as defined in paragraph (1)(A).
(B)
Program for child aged 3 through 5
In the case of a child with a disability aged 3 through 5 (or, at the discretion of the State educational agency, a 2-year-old child with a disability who will turn age 3 during the school year), the IEP Team shall consider the individualized family service plan that contains the material described in section
1436 of this title, and that is developed in accordance with this section, and the individualized family service plan may serve as the IEP of the child if using that plan as the IEP is—
(C)
Program for children who transfer school districts
(i)
In general
(I)
Transfer within the same State
In the case of a child with a disability who transfers school districts within the same academic year, who enrolls in a new school, and who had an IEP that was in effect in the same State, the local educational agency shall provide such child with a free appropriate public education, including services comparable to those described in the previously held IEP, in consultation with the parents until such time as the local educational agency adopts the previously held IEP or develops, adopts, and implements a new IEP that is consistent with Federal and State law.
(II)
Transfer outside State
In the case of a child with a disability who transfers school districts within the same academic year, who enrolls in a new school, and who had an IEP that was in effect in another State, the local educational agency shall provide such child with a free appropriate public education, including services comparable to those described in the previously held IEP, in consultation with the parents until such time as the local educational agency conducts an evaluation pursuant to subsection (a)(1), if determined to be necessary by such agency, and develops a new IEP, if appropriate, that is consistent with Federal and State law.
(ii)
Transmittal of records
To facilitate the transition for a child described in clause (i)—
(I)
the new school in which the child enrolls shall take reasonable steps to promptly obtain the child’s records, including the IEP and supporting documents and any other records relating to the provision of special education or related services to the child, from the previous school in which the child was enrolled, pursuant to section
99.31(a)(2) of title
34, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(3)
Development of IEP
(A)
In general
In developing each child’s IEP, the IEP Team, subject to subparagraph (C), shall consider—
(B)
Consideration of special factors
The IEP Team shall—
(i)
in the case of a child whose behavior impedes the child’s learning or that of others, consider the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports, and other strategies, to address that behavior;
(ii)
in the case of a child with limited English proficiency, consider the language needs of the child as such needs relate to the child’s IEP;
(iii)
in the case of a child who is blind or visually impaired, provide for instruction in Braille and the use of Braille unless the IEP Team determines, after an evaluation of the child’s reading and writing skills, needs, and appropriate reading and writing media (including an evaluation of the child’s future needs for instruction in Braille or the use of Braille), that instruction in Braille or the use of Braille is not appropriate for the child;
(iv)
consider the communication needs of the child, and in the case of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing, consider the child’s language and communication needs, opportunities for direct communications with peers and professional personnel in the child’s language and communication mode, academic level, and full range of needs, including opportunities for direct instruction in the child’s language and communication mode; and
(C)
Requirement with respect to regular education teacher
A regular education teacher of the child, as a member of the IEP Team, shall, to the extent appropriate, participate in the development of the IEP of the child, including the determination of appropriate positive behavioral interventions and supports, and other strategies, and the determination of supplementary aids and services, program modifications, and support for school personnel consistent with paragraph (1)(A)(i)(IV).
(D)
Agreement
In making changes to a child’s IEP after the annual IEP meeting for a school year, the parent of a child with a disability and the local educational agency may agree not to convene an IEP meeting for the purposes of making such changes, and instead may develop a written document to amend or modify the child’s current IEP.
(4)
Review and revision of IEP
(A)
In general
The local educational agency shall ensure that, subject to subparagraph (B), the IEP Team—
(i)
reviews the child’s IEP periodically, but not less frequently than annually, to determine whether the annual goals for the child are being achieved; and
(5)
Multi-year IEP demonstration
(A)
Pilot program
(i)
Purpose
The purpose of this paragraph is to provide an opportunity for States to allow parents and local educational agencies the opportunity for long-term planning by offering the option of developing a comprehensive multi-year IEP, not to exceed 3 years, that is designed to coincide with the natural transition points for the child.
(ii)
Authorization
In order to carry out the purpose of this paragraph, the Secretary is authorized to approve not more than 15 proposals from States to carry out the activity described in clause (i).
(iii)
Proposal
(I)
In general
A State desiring to participate in the program under this paragraph shall submit a proposal to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may reasonably require.
(AA)
measurable goals pursuant to paragraph (1)(A)(i)(II), coinciding with natural transition points for the child, that will enable the child to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum and that will meet the child’s other needs that result from the child’s disability; and
(BB)
measurable annual goals for determining progress toward meeting the goals described in subitem (AA); and
(AA)
a review by the IEP Team of the child’s multi-year IEP at each of the child’s natural transition points;
(BB)
in years other than a child’s natural transition points, an annual review of the child’s IEP to determine the child’s current levels of progress and whether the annual goals for the child are being achieved, and a requirement to amend the IEP, as appropriate, to enable the child to continue to meet the measurable goals set out in the IEP;
(CC)
if the IEP Team determines on the basis of a review that the child is not making sufficient progress toward the goals described in the multi-year IEP, a requirement that the local educational agency shall ensure that the IEP Team carries out a more thorough review of the IEP in accordance with paragraph (4) within 30 calendar days; and
(DD)
at the request of the parent, a requirement that the IEP Team shall conduct a review of the child’s multi-year IEP rather than or subsequent to an annual review.
(B)
Report
Beginning 2 years after December 3, 2004, the Secretary shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate regarding the effectiveness of the program under this paragraph and any specific recommendations for broader implementation of such program, including—
(C)
Definition
In this paragraph, the term “natural transition points” means those periods that are close in time to the transition of a child with a disability from preschool to elementary grades, from elementary grades to middle or junior high school grades, from middle or junior high school grades to secondary school grades, and from secondary school grades to post-secondary activities, but in no case a period longer than 3 years.
(6)
Failure to meet transition objectives
If a participating agency, other than the local educational agency, fails to provide the transition services described in the IEP in accordance with paragraph (1)(A)(i)(VIII), the local educational agency shall reconvene the IEP Team to identify alternative strategies to meet the transition objectives for the child set out in the IEP.
(7)
Children with disabilities in adult prisons
(A)
In general
The following requirements shall not apply to children with disabilities who are convicted as adults under State law and incarcerated in adult prisons:
(i)
The requirements contained in section
1412
(a)(16) of this title and paragraph (1)(A)(i)(VI) (relating to participation of children with disabilities in general assessments).
(ii)
The requirements of items (aa) and (bb) of paragraph (1)(A)(i)(VIII) (relating to transition planning and transition services), do not apply with respect to such children whose eligibility under this subchapter will end, because of such children’s age, before such children will be released from prison.
(B)
Additional requirement
If a child with a disability is convicted as an adult under State law and incarcerated in an adult prison, the child’s IEP Team may modify the child’s IEP or placement notwithstanding the requirements of sections [1] 1412(a)(5)(A) of this title and paragraph (1)(A) if the State has demonstrated a bona fide security or compelling penological interest that cannot otherwise be accommodated.
(e)
Educational placements
Each local educational agency or State educational agency shall ensure that the parents of each child with a disability are members of any group that makes decisions on the educational placement of their child.
(f)
Alternative means of meeting participation
When conducting IEP team [2] meetings and placement meetings pursuant to this section, section
1415
(e) of this title, and section
1415
(f)(1)(B) of this title, and carrying out administrative matters under section
1415 of this title (such as scheduling, exchange of witness lists, and status conferences), the parent of a child with a disability and a local educational agency may agree to use alternative means of meeting participation, such as video conferences and conference calls.
[1] So in original. Probably should be “section”.
[2] So in original. Probably should be capitalized.