Re-evaluation
Also: Triennial, Triennial Re-evaluation
The re-assessment every three years (or sooner if needed) that confirms a student still qualifies for special education.
A re-evaluation — often called the "triennial" — is the reassessment IDEA requires at least every three years for every student receiving special education. Its purpose is to confirm that the student still has a qualifying disability and still needs specialized instruction, and to update the team's understanding of the student's present levels.
The team first decides what additional data, if any, is needed. If existing data (classroom assessments, progress monitoring, outside evaluations) is sufficient, the team can document that and move on. If new testing is needed — cognitive, academic, behavioral, speech-language — the district must obtain informed parental consent before assessing.
A re-evaluation can also be triggered sooner than three years if conditions warrant, if the parent requests it, or if the teacher believes the student's needs have changed substantially.
Related terms
- Annual ReviewThe once-per-year IEP meeting where the team reviews progress and updates the plan.
- IEPA legally binding written plan for a student with a disability that spells out the specialized instruction and services the school will provide.
- PLAAFPThe section of an IEP that describes what a student currently knows and can do — the baseline from which annual goals are written.
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