Can the school conduct a reevaluation without my consent?

No, not for a reevaluation that involves new testing. The school must obtain your written consent before administering any new evaluations. If the school is reviewing existing data only (no new testing), they may not need consent for that review, but should notify you.

The school says they can just review existing records instead of new testing. Is that allowed?

Yes, but only if the team determines existing data is sufficient to establish continued eligibility and current needs. If you believe new testing is needed because the data is outdated or incomplete, you can advocate for it. You can also request an IEE if you disagree with assessment decisions.

Can I waive the reevaluation?

Yes, the school may ask you to sign a document agreeing a reevaluation is not necessary. You are not required to agree. If you have any questions about whether current data is still accurate, declining to waive and requesting a full reevaluation is the safer choice.

What if the reevaluation results say my child is no longer eligible?

Don't sign anything you disagree with at the meeting. Ask for more time to review. You can request an IEE, file a state complaint, or request a due process hearing. Losing eligibility means losing services, this decision deserves careful scrutiny, especially if your child is still struggling.

State IEP Rights

IEP Rights in Indiana: What Parents Need to Know

Q: What is the Indiana Case Conference Committee?

Indiana uses the term 'Case Conference Committee' (CCC) instead of IEP team. The CCC develops, reviews, and revises the IEP and makes eligibility and placement decisions. It includes the parent, general and special education teachers, and other required members.

Q: What is the Indiana Department of Education's role in special education?

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) oversees special education through its Office of Special Education. IDOE monitors district compliance, investigates state complaints, and provides resources for families.

Q: Where can Indiana families get free advocacy help?

IN*SOURCE is Indiana's Parent Training and Information (PTI) center and provides free advocacy support. Indiana Disability Rights is the state's P&A organization and provides legal services in special education cases.

Indiana follows federal IDEA with its own implementing rules. Here's what families need to know about timelines, how to dispute decisions, and where to get help.

Meghan Moore, BCBA, M.A. Special Education

Indiana Special Education Overview

Special education in Indiana is governed by IDEA and Article 7, Indiana's special education rules (511 IAC 7). The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) oversees compliance through its Office of Special Education. Indiana uses some unique terminology, most notably calling the IEP team the "Case Conference Committee."

Evaluation Timelines

Indiana must complete the initial evaluation within 50 school days of receiving written parental consent. This is faster than IDEA's 60-day standard but uses school days like IDEA. After the evaluation is complete, the Case Conference Committee (CCC) must meet within 20 school days to determine eligibility and develop the IEP.

Indiana Case Conference Committee (CCC)

Indiana uses the term Case Conference Committee (CCC) rather than IEP team. The CCC serves the same function: it determines eligibility, develops and reviews the IEP, and makes placement decisions. Required CCC members include:

Parents
The student (when appropriate)
At least one general education teacher
At least one special education teacher
A representative of the school corporation who knows about special education and the general curriculum
An individual who can interpret evaluation results
Other specialists relevant to the child's needs

Dispute Resolution in Indiana

State Complaints

State complaints are filed with the Indiana Department of Education's Office of Special Education. Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged violation. IDOE must investigate and issue a decision within 60 calendar days.

Contact: IDOE Office of Special Education
Phone: 317-232-0570
Website: doe.in.gov/special-education

Mediation

Voluntary mediation is available at no cost to parents through the IDOE. Mediation is coordinated by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism or through IDOE directly. Any agreement is legally binding.

Due Process

Due process hearings in Indiana are conducted by independent hearing officers. Indiana follows the federal IDEA two-year statute of limitations. After filing, there is a 30-day resolution period before the hearing proceeds.

Indiana-Specific Resources

IN*SOURCE

IN*SOURCE is Indiana's federally funded Parent Training and Information (PTI) center. IN*SOURCE provides free training, information, and individual advocacy support to families of children with disabilities.

Website: insource.org
Phone: 800-332-4433

Indiana Disability Rights

Indiana Disability Rights is the state's Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organization. They provide legal services and advocacy in special education cases.

Website: indianadisabilityrights.org
Phone: 317-722-5555

Key Things to Know in Indiana

Indiana's evaluation timeline is 50 school days (faster than IDEA's 60 days)
Indiana calls the IEP team the Case Conference Committee (CCC)
CCC must meet within 20 school days after the evaluation is complete
State complaints go to IDOE's Office of Special Education
IN*SOURCE offers free advocacy support
Indiana Disability Rights provides legal services

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Indiana have to evaluate my child for special education?

Indiana must complete the initial evaluation within 50 school days of receiving written parental consent. After evaluation, the Case Conference Committee must meet within 20 school days.

What is the Indiana Case Conference Committee?

Indiana uses "Case Conference Committee" (CCC) instead of IEP team. The CCC develops, reviews, and revises the IEP and makes eligibility and placement decisions. It includes parents, general and special education teachers, and other required members.

What is the Indiana Department of Education's role in special education?

IDOE oversees special education through its Office of Special Education. IDOE monitors district compliance, investigates state complaints, and provides resources for families.

Where can Indiana families get free advocacy help?

IN*SOURCE is Indiana's PTI center and provides free advocacy support. Indiana Disability Rights is the state's P&A organization and provides legal services.