Texas Special Education Timelines: The 15-45-30 Rule
In Texas, three deadlines drive the start of special education. The district has 15 school days to respond to your written evaluation request, 45 school days to complete the evaluation once you give consent, and 30 calendar days after that to hold the ARD meeting. Together these are known as the 15-45-30 timeline. Here is what each one means and what to do if a deadline is missed.
The 15 school day rule (responding to your request)
When you request an evaluation in writing, the district has 15 school days to do one of two things: give you a consent form to start the evaluation, or give you prior written notice explaining why it refuses. Either way, the district must also give you a copy of your procedural safeguards. Put your request in writing and date it, because the clock starts when the district receives it.
The 45 school day rule (the evaluation)
Once you sign consent, the district has 45 school days to complete the Full Individual and Initial Evaluation, called the FIE, and give you the written report. If your child is absent 3 or more school days during that window, the timeline extends by the number of days missed. School days do not count summers and holidays, so an evaluation started late in the year can legitimately run into the fall.
The end-of-year exception
There is a special rule near the end of the school year. If the district receives your consent at least 35 but fewer than 45 school days before the last day of instruction, the written report is due by June 30, and the first ARD committee meeting must be held by the 15th school day of the next school year. The exception: if your child needs extended school year services that summer, the ARD must meet as soon as possible.
The 30 calendar day rule (the ARD meeting)
After the FIE is complete, the ARD committee must meet within 30 calendar days to review the results, decide whether your child is eligible, and write the IEP if they qualify. You must receive at least 5 school days notice before the meeting so you have time to prepare.
After your child qualifies: the ongoing timelines
Two deadlines continue every year. The ARD committee must review the IEP at least once a year. And your child must be reevaluated at least every 3 years, which can be a full new evaluation or a review of existing data if you and the district agree.
A note on Child Find
Child Find is the school's ongoing legal duty to identify and evaluate any child it suspects has a disability. It is not a single countdown, but the moment a district has reason to suspect a disability, the 15-45-30 clock above is what applies. You do not have to wait for the school to act. You can request an evaluation in writing at any time.
What to do if the district misses a deadline
Missed timelines are one of the most common and most provable special education violations in Texas. If your district blows past these deadlines, you have options, including filing a state complaint with the TEA. An advocate can help you document the timeline and hold the district accountable.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a special education evaluation take in Texas?+
The district has 45 school days from the date you sign written consent to complete the Full Individual and Initial Evaluation and give you the written report. If your child is absent 3 or more school days during that window, the timeline extends by the number of days missed.
What is the 15-45-30 timeline?+
It is the Texas special education start-up timeline: 15 school days for the district to respond to your written evaluation request, 45 school days to complete the evaluation after you consent, and 30 calendar days after that to hold the ARD meeting.
How much notice must I get before an ARD meeting?+
At least 5 school days notice before the meeting.
How often must my child's IEP be reviewed in Texas?+
The ARD committee must review the IEP at least once a year, and your child must be reevaluated at least every 3 years.
Deadlines are leverage. Do not let them slip.
If your district has missed a timeline, or you are about to request an evaluation, we can help you document it right.