The Massachusetts deadline in plain words: 45 school days from the school receiving your written consent (Team meeting held and proposed IEP sent to you).
How the days are counted
School working days. Assessments are due within 30 school working days of consent, and the Team must meet and send you the proposed IEP within 45. Assessment summaries must be ready at least 2 days before the meeting (603 CMR 28.05). Estimate: school calendars vary, check your district calendar.
This one is an estimate. School-day and school-break counting depends on your district's calendar. Check your district calendar for the exact date.
Where this comes from
603 CMR 28.05(1). Read the official rule.
Federal context
Federal law (IDEA) sets a baseline of 60 calendar days from parental consent for evaluation (34 CFR 300.301(c)), or a timeline set by the state. Massachusetts sets its own timeline, shown above. Once a child is found eligible, federal rules give 30 days to hold the first IEP meeting (34 CFR 300.323(c)). See all federal IEP deadlines, or how to request an IEP evaluation in writing.
Questions parents ask
How long does a school in Massachusetts have to finish an IEP evaluation?
45 school days from the school receiving your written consent (Team meeting held and proposed IEP sent to you). Source: 603 CMR 28.05(1).
When does the Massachusetts evaluation clock start?
In Massachusetts, the clock starts from the school receiving your written consent (Team meeting held and proposed IEP sent to you). That means signed consent, not your first request, so sign and return the consent form promptly and keep a copy.
How are the days counted?
School working days. Assessments are due within 30 school working days of consent, and the Team must meet and send you the proposed IEP within 45. Assessment summaries must be ready at least 2 days before the meeting (603 CMR 28.05). Estimate: school calendars vary, check your district calendar.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is general information. Check your state rules, your district, or your state's Parent Training and Information Center for your situation.
Let the app count the days
Pick Massachusetts in Tiny Advocate and the Deadlines screen counts by these rules and can link the dates to your calendar. Try it free in the demo (no signup), or start at tinyadvocate.com.
See every state's evaluation timeline.
Not legal advice. This page shares general information from your state's rules as we read them. It is not legal advice. Rules change and districts vary. For help with your situation, contact your state's Parent Training and Information Center or a special education attorney or advocate.