Important: This tool is a reference guide based on TEA guidance and 19 TAC. It does not calculate FIE due dates — FIE deadlines depend on your district's specific school calendar, individual student absences (3+ absences extend the timeline), and end-of-year consent timing. Always verify timelines with your district's calendar and compliance coordinator.
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State/Federal Requirement
Hard Compliance Deadline
Best Practice / Recommended
Parent Right / Notice
Summer / End-of-Year Exception
📅 Calendar Reference Helper
How school days are counted (19 TAC §89.1011(g)(i)): A "school day" is any instructional day — including shortened days — between the first and last day of school. Days during summer break, winter break, spring break, and other non-instructional periods do not count. Your district's specific calendar determines the actual due date. This tool cannot calculate that for you.
Initial Evaluation (FIIE) — Full Timeline
Written Referral Received
Day 0 — Trigger Point
A written request for evaluation starts the formal timeline. A verbal request is valid under IDEA but does not start the 15-school-day response clock — only a written request does.
Best practice: TEA recommends that LEAs develop internal procedures to respond to verbal requests in a timely manner, even though no regulatory timeline applies. Written requests should be date-stamped on receipt.
19 TAC §89.1011 | TEA FIIE Timeline FAQ
LEA Response to Written Referral
Within 15 school days
Within 15 school days of receiving a written referral, the district must provide the parent with one of the following:
If proposing to evaluate: Prior Written Notice of proposal to evaluate + Notice of Procedural Safeguards + Overview of Special Education for Parents form + opportunity to provide written consent.
If refusing to evaluate: Prior Written Notice of refusal + Notice of Procedural Safeguards + Overview of Special Education for Parents form.
If proposing to evaluate: Prior Written Notice of proposal to evaluate + Notice of Procedural Safeguards + Overview of Special Education for Parents form + opportunity to provide written consent.
If refusing to evaluate: Prior Written Notice of refusal + Notice of Procedural Safeguards + Overview of Special Education for Parents form.
This is a hard compliance deadline. Failure to respond within 15 school days is a procedural violation under TEA monitoring.
19 TAC §89.1011 | TEC §29.004
Parent Provides Written Consent
No set deadline for parent
The evaluation clock begins on the date the district receives signed written consent from the parent or legal guardian. There is no regulatory deadline by which the parent must sign — the 45-school-day FIE clock does not start until consent is in hand.
No regulatory deadline for obtaining consent. TEA guidance and best practice is to obtain consent as promptly as possible. The timing of consent relative to the end of the school year affects which summer/end-of-year rules apply (see exceptions below).
19 TAC §89.1011(c) | TEA FIIE FAQ
When Consent Is Not Forthcoming: Ready, Willing & Able Notice
After documented, reasonable contact attempts
If the district has provided PWN proposing an evaluation but the parent is unresponsive — or has verbally declined without formally refusing in writing — and all reasonable contact attempts have been exhausted, the district should send a Ready, Willing & Able (RWA) notice.
The RWA notice formally documents that the district:
What the RWA notice accomplishes: It shifts the compliance burden to the parent, protects the district from TEA monitoring findings for failure to evaluate, and documents that the 45-school-day clock has not yet started because consent has not been received — not because the district failed to act.
Critical limit — initial evaluation: Under IDEA §300.300(a)(3), if a parent refuses consent for an initial evaluation, the district may not override that refusal through mediation, due process, or any other dispute resolution mechanism. The RWA notice is the end of the procedural road unless the parent later changes their mind.
The RWA notice formally documents that the district:
- Has proposed a full and appropriate evaluation
- Is prepared and able to conduct it
- Remains available to proceed as soon as the parent consents
What the RWA notice accomplishes: It shifts the compliance burden to the parent, protects the district from TEA monitoring findings for failure to evaluate, and documents that the 45-school-day clock has not yet started because consent has not been received — not because the district failed to act.
Critical limit — initial evaluation: Under IDEA §300.300(a)(3), if a parent refuses consent for an initial evaluation, the district may not override that refusal through mediation, due process, or any other dispute resolution mechanism. The RWA notice is the end of the procedural road unless the parent later changes their mind.
Before sending: Document all prior contact attempts (dates, method, outcome) in the student's file. Loop in your district special education director before sending — this is an administrative-level action. The notice should be sent via certified mail with return receipt requested, or hand-delivered with a signed acknowledgment, to establish a clear delivery record for TEA monitoring purposes.
The parent may reverse their decision at any time. When consent is received after an RWA notice, the 45-school-day clock starts from the date of that consent.
The parent may reverse their decision at any time. When consent is received after an RWA notice, the 45-school-day clock starts from the date of that consent.
IDEA §300.300(a)(3) | 34 CFR §300.300 | TEA FIIE FAQ
FIE Report Completed & Provided to Parent
By 45th school day after consent
The written FIIE report must be completed and provided to the parent no later than the 45th school day following the date written consent was received.
Absence extension: If the student is absent on 3 or more school days during this period, the deadline is extended by the number of days absent. Only absences within the original 45-day window count.
This is a district-calendar-specific deadline. Your school calendar, snow days, and the student's own attendance record all affect the actual due date. This tool cannot reliably calculate it for you.
Absence extension: If the student is absent on 3 or more school days during this period, the deadline is extended by the number of days absent. Only absences within the original 45-day window count.
This is a district-calendar-specific deadline. Your school calendar, snow days, and the student's own attendance record all affect the actual due date. This tool cannot reliably calculate it for you.
The report must be provided to the parent no later than 5 school days before the initial ARD meeting. Plan your testing and writing timeline accordingly to ensure compliance with both the 45-day and the 5-school-day-before-ARD requirements.
19 TAC §89.1011(c)(1), (h) | TEC §29.004
Initial ARD Committee Meeting
Within 30 calendar days of FIE completion
The ARD committee must meet to determine initial eligibility — and, if appropriate, develop an IEP and determine placement — within 30 calendar days from the date the written FIIE report is completed.
This is a calendar day count, not school days. Weekends and holidays count.
This is a calendar day count, not school days. Weekends and holidays count.
Parents must receive written notice of the ARD meeting at least 5 school days in advance (waivable with parent signature).
19 TAC §89.1011 | 34 CFR §300.323(c)
Summer / End-of-Year Exceptions
Special rules apply
If 30-calendar-day ARD window falls during summer: The ARD committee must meet by the first day of classes in the fall (or by the 15th school day if consent was received 35–44 school days before last instructional day — see below).
If consent received 35–44 school days before last instructional day (but not the full 45): The FIE must be completed and provided to the parent by June 30 of that school year. The initial ARD must meet by the 15th school day of the following school year.
If consent received fewer than 35 school days before last instructional day: TEA guidance indicates the full 45-school-day window extends into the following school year. Coordinate with your compliance coordinator.
ESY exception: If the initial evaluation indicates the student will need Extended School Year services that summer, the ARD must meet as promptly as possible.
If consent received 35–44 school days before last instructional day (but not the full 45): The FIE must be completed and provided to the parent by June 30 of that school year. The initial ARD must meet by the 15th school day of the following school year.
If consent received fewer than 35 school days before last instructional day: TEA guidance indicates the full 45-school-day window extends into the following school year. Coordinate with your compliance coordinator.
ESY exception: If the initial evaluation indicates the student will need Extended School Year services that summer, the ARD must meet as promptly as possible.
19 TAC §89.1011(d)(e) | TEC §29.004(a-1)
Referral initiated by the district: When the LEA initiates the referral (rather than a parent), the district must still provide Prior Written Notice, Procedural Safeguards, Overview of Special Education for Parents, and an opportunity to consent — but the 15-school-day clock does not apply in the same way. The LEA should act promptly and is still bound by the 45-school-day evaluation window once consent is obtained.
Key distinction: A reevaluation FIE does not automatically require an ARD meeting to review it unless there is a change in eligibility, disability category, or services. The report may be reviewed at the next scheduled ARD. This is a significant difference from initial evaluations — the 30-calendar-day ARD window does not apply in the same way to reevaluations.
Reevaluation / Triennial — Process & Timelines
Reevaluation Frequency Requirement
At least every 3 years
A student receiving special education services must be reevaluated at least once every three years, unless the parent and the LEA jointly agree that a reevaluation is unnecessary. A reevaluation may not occur more than once per year unless the parent and LEA agree otherwise.
A reevaluation may also occur outside the triennial cycle if the LEA determines the student's educational needs warrant it, or if the parent or teacher requests one.
A reevaluation may also occur outside the triennial cycle if the LEA determines the student's educational needs warrant it, or if the parent or teacher requests one.
IDEA §614(a)(2) | 34 CFR §300.303 | 19 TAC §89.1011
REED Completed — Best Practice Timing
Best practice: ~45 school days before 3-year anniversary
The Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED) is the first step in the reevaluation process. It must be completed by the ARD committee (including the parent) to determine whether additional data are needed.
Parental consent is not required to conduct a REED — only to conduct additional assessments if the REED determines new data are needed.
TEA best practice recommends initiating the REED approximately 45 school days before the three-year anniversary date to allow time for assessment, report writing, and scheduling before the triennial deadline.
Parental consent is not required to conduct a REED — only to conduct additional assessments if the REED determines new data are needed.
TEA best practice recommends initiating the REED approximately 45 school days before the three-year anniversary date to allow time for assessment, report writing, and scheduling before the triennial deadline.
This is a best practice recommendation, not a regulatory deadline. No specific timeline for when to begin the REED is codified in rule.
TEA REED & Reevaluation Q&A (2024) | 34 CFR §300.305
Parental Consent for Additional Assessments
Required before any new testing
If the REED determines that additional data are needed, the LEA must:
If the LEA can demonstrate it made reasonable efforts to obtain consent and the parent did not respond, the LEA may proceed without consent under IDEA §300.300(c)(1)(ii) — a key difference from initial evaluations (where the district cannot override a refusal).
When a parent is unresponsive: Before invoking the "proceed without consent" provision, document all contact attempts and consider sending a Ready, Willing & Able (RWA) notice — a written statement that the district has proposed the reevaluation, is prepared to conduct it, and is awaiting the parent's response. This protects the district during TEA monitoring and creates a clear compliance record. Consult your district special education director prior to sending.
- Provide a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards
- Provide Prior Written Notice describing the proposed assessments
- Obtain written parental consent before conducting any new assessments
If the LEA can demonstrate it made reasonable efforts to obtain consent and the parent did not respond, the LEA may proceed without consent under IDEA §300.300(c)(1)(ii) — a key difference from initial evaluations (where the district cannot override a refusal).
When a parent is unresponsive: Before invoking the "proceed without consent" provision, document all contact attempts and consider sending a Ready, Willing & Able (RWA) notice — a written statement that the district has proposed the reevaluation, is prepared to conduct it, and is awaiting the parent's response. This protects the district during TEA monitoring and creates a clear compliance record. Consult your district special education director prior to sending.
34 CFR §300.300(c) | IDEA §300.300(c)(1)(ii) | 19 TAC §89.1011
Reevaluation FIE Must Be Completed By
Before 3-year anniversary date
The completed reevaluation (FIE) must be finished before the three-year anniversary of the prior evaluation. Like the initial evaluation, the 45-school-day window applies after consent is received, with the same absence-extension and end-of-year rules.
As with initial evaluations, the FIE deadline depends on your district's school calendar and the student's attendance — this tool cannot calculate it.
As with initial evaluations, the FIE deadline depends on your district's school calendar and the student's attendance — this tool cannot calculate it.
34 CFR §300.303(b) | 19 TAC §89.1011
ARD Review of Reevaluation Results
No separate 30-day window required
Unlike an initial evaluation, a reevaluation does not require a separate ARD meeting solely to review the FIE report — unless:
If none of these conditions apply, the reevaluation results may be reviewed at the next scheduled ARD (e.g., the annual review). The ARD committee should still discuss and document the findings.
- There is a proposed change in eligibility (including dismissal from special education)
- There is a proposed change in disability category
- There is a proposed change in services, placement, or IEP based on new data
- The parent or teacher requests an ARD meeting
If none of these conditions apply, the reevaluation results may be reviewed at the next scheduled ARD (e.g., the annual review). The ARD committee should still discuss and document the findings.
If a change is proposed based on reevaluation results, Prior Written Notice of the proposed change must be provided to the parent.
34 CFR §300.305(e) | 19 TAC §89.1050
When Reevaluation Is Not Required
Exceptions exist
A reevaluation is not required when:
- The parent and LEA jointly agree the reevaluation is unnecessary (must be documented)
- The student has met graduation requirements per 19 TAC §89.1070(b)(1) with no modifications and satisfactory EOC performance
- The student has exceeded maximum age eligibility without meeting graduation requirements
IDEA §614(a)(2)(B) | 19 TAC §89.1011 | TEA REED Q&A (2024)
Annual review purpose: The annual ARD reviews the student's progress toward IEP goals, updates the IEP, and considers changes to placement or services. It is not an eligibility determination meeting unless a reevaluation is also being reviewed.
📅 Annual ARD Due Date Reference
Annual ARD / IEP Review — Requirements
Annual IEP Review
At least once per year
The ARD committee must review and, if appropriate, revise each student's IEP at least once per year. The annual review must occur no later than one year from the date of the most recent ARD meeting at which an IEP was developed or revised.
The review must include consideration of the student's progress toward annual goals, results of any reevaluation, parent-provided information, anticipated needs, and any other relevant matters.
The review must include consideration of the student's progress toward annual goals, results of any reevaluation, parent-provided information, anticipated needs, and any other relevant matters.
34 CFR §300.324(b) | 19 TAC §89.1055
Parent Notice of ARD Meeting
At least 5 school days in advance
Parents must receive written notice of an ARD meeting at least 5 school days before the meeting. This requirement can be waived if the parent signs a written waiver of the notice period.
The notice must include the purpose, time, location, and who will attend the meeting, and must inform the parent of their right to bring individuals with knowledge or special expertise.
The notice must include the purpose, time, location, and who will attend the meeting, and must inform the parent of their right to bring individuals with knowledge or special expertise.
19 TAC §89.1050 | 34 CFR §300.322
IEP Implementation After ARD
As soon as possible after meeting
Following an ARD meeting, the IEP must be implemented as soon as possible. If a new or revised IEP is developed, services must begin promptly — there is no grace period for delaying implementation.
A copy of the IEP must be provided to the parent at no cost.
A copy of the IEP must be provided to the parent at no cost.
34 CFR §300.323 | 19 TAC §89.1055
Parent Request for ARD Meeting
District response within 5 school days
If a parent makes a written request for an ARD meeting, the district must either schedule the meeting or, within 5 school days, provide written notice explaining why it is refusing to convene the meeting (including Prior Written Notice).
The district and parent should agree on a mutually convenient time and place for the meeting.
The district and parent should agree on a mutually convenient time and place for the meeting.
19 TAC §89.1050(e)
Progress Reports to Parents
At least as often as general ed report cards
Parents must be regularly informed of their child's progress toward annual IEP goals — at least as frequently as progress is reported for students without disabilities (i.e., at least as often as report cards are issued).
Progress reports must be sufficient to let parents know whether the student is making enough progress to achieve annual goals by the end of the IEP period.
Progress reports must be sufficient to let parents know whether the student is making enough progress to achieve annual goals by the end of the IEP period.
34 CFR §300.320(a)(3) | 19 TAC §89.1055
Note: Transfer timelines changed with a 2023 rule amendment to 19 TAC §89.1050 (effective July 18, 2023). The timeline for verifying a prior IEP when no evaluation is needed was changed from 30 school days to 20 school days.
Transfer Students — In-State Transfer (Texas → Texas)
Provide Comparable Services Immediately
Effective upon enrollment
When a student with an IEP transfers to a new Texas district during the school year, the new district must provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), including comparable services to those in the prior IEP, effective from the day of enrollment — until the new district either adopts the prior IEP or develops a new one.
34 CFR §300.323(e) | 19 TAC §89.1050
Verify Prior IEP / Adopt or Develop New IEP
Within 20 school days (if no new eval needed)
If the new district determines that no new evaluation is needed, it must verify the student's prior special education and related services within 20 school days — then either adopt the prior IEP or convene an ARD to develop a new one.
"Verify" means the new district has received a copy of the student's IEP from the previous district.
"Verify" means the new district has received a copy of the student's IEP from the previous district.
This changed from 30 school days to 20 school days effective July 18, 2023 per the 19 TAC §89.1050 amendment.
19 TAC §89.1050 (amended July 18, 2023) | TEA TAA Letter (2023)
If New Evaluation Is Needed
45-school-day window applies
If the new district determines a new evaluation is needed, the evaluation must be completed within 45 school days of receiving written parental consent, consistent with standard initial evaluation timelines. The new district must coordinate with the previous district as needed to ensure prompt completion.
The original evaluation timeline from the previous district does not apply if: (1) the new LEA is making sufficient progress toward prompt completion, and (2) the parent and new LEA agree to a specific completion date.
The original evaluation timeline from the previous district does not apply if: (1) the new LEA is making sufficient progress toward prompt completion, and (2) the parent and new LEA agree to a specific completion date.
34 CFR §300.301(d)(2)(e) | 19 TAC §89.1011(f)
Transfer Students — Out-of-State Transfer (Another State → Texas)
Provide Comparable Services Immediately
Effective upon enrollment
Same as in-state: comparable services must begin immediately upon enrollment, based on the out-of-state IEP, until a new evaluation is conducted (if needed) and a new IEP is developed and implemented.
34 CFR §300.323(f)
New Evaluation and IEP Development
No set deadline — promptly as possible
For out-of-state transfers, there is no set regulatory deadline defined for completing a new evaluation and IEP development. The district must act as expeditiously as possible. If an evaluation is needed, the 45-school-day window applies after consent is received.
Comparable services continue until the new evaluation is completed and a new IEP is developed, adopted, and implemented.
Comparable services continue until the new evaluation is completed and a new IEP is developed, adopted, and implemented.
34 CFR §300.323(f) | 19 TAC §89.1050
Transfers between school years: If a student with an IEP enrolls in a new district at the start of a school year (not mid-year), the new district should make every reasonable effort to hold an ARD committee meeting before the first day of the new school year if the parent agrees, to ensure services are in place from day one.