Triennial IEP

The Triennial IEP, also known as a triennial assessment or reevaluation, is a comprehensive review that takes place every three years for students receiving special education services. This process ensures that students continue to qualify for services and that their Individualized Education Program remains aligned with their current needs.

During the triennial review, the IEP team collaborates to determine which evaluations and assessments are necessary. These may include academic, psychological, behavioral, or other specialized assessments based on the student’s unique profile. While this reevaluation is required every three years, additional assessments may occur more frequently if needed, provided both the parents and the school district agree. Without such agreement, reevaluations are limited to once per year.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), families and schools have the right to request an evaluation at any time if new concerns or information arise before the scheduled triennial.

If a school does not initiate a triennial review, parents are encouraged to reach out to their child’s IEP case manager. In some cases, after reviewing existing data and progress, the IEP team—along with the parents—may determine that a formal reevaluation is not necessary. If both parties agree in writing, the reevaluation can be waived.

However, it’s important to note that three years is a substantial period in a student’s development. Even when a student clearly continues to qualify for services, a fresh evaluation can provide updated insights into their academic, emotional, and social progress. These insights help the IEP team make more informed decisions about goals, supports, and services that reflect the student’s evolving strengths and needs.

Triennial IEP Assessment and Meeting Guidelines:

• 60 days before the triennial IEP meeting to begin assessments
• 15 calendar days to propose a plan for re-assessment
• 60 calendar days after the parent agrees to the assessment plan to hold an IEP meeting to review the results

Note: Timelines may vary by state; consult local regulations.

There are two types of reevaluations:

• Triennial reevaluation (three-year review)
• Parent or Teacher requested reevaluation

Reasons to request a reevaluation

A reevaluation can provide additional information to the IEP team. For instance, if a student with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has accommodations to aid in their focus, but their impulsive behavior is also causing disruptions in the classroom, a behavior assessment might be necessary if it wasn’t included in the initial evaluation.

Some other reasons to reevaluate:

• New areas of concern became clearer once a student got support.
• The information from a previous evaluation didn’t address all the areas it needed to.
• A student wasn’t found initially eligible but still struggles.

The Key Take-away

The triennial reevaluation aims to see if a student’s needs have changed. It’s also to see if they still qualify for special education services.

LeafWing can assist in providing a list of necessary services that must be established on your student’s IEP Plan to succeed in a school environment. Please reach out to your BCBA for assistance.

Other Assessments:

• Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE): An evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner not employed by the school district, often requested when parents disagree with the school’s assessment.
• Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA): Analyzes a student’s behavior to identify causes and develop strategies for improvement.
• Psychological evaluation
• Psycho-educational testing: Assesses cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning to inform educational planning.
• Classroom observation

Other Considerations:

IEP Transition Plan
Individual Transition Plan (ITP)

Related Glossary Terms

• IEP: Individualized Education Program—a customized plan outlining special education services for a student.
• FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education—the right to special education services at no cost to parents.
• IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• LRE: Least Restrictive Environment—the setting that allows students with disabilities to be educated alongside non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate.