An individualized education program (IEP) charts the course to ensure a child with a disability receives an appropriate public education and is afforded critical services in the classroom. Prior to the implementation of an IEP, an initial evaluation must be conducted to determine the child’s disability and need for services or aids. A thorough and diligently prepared initial evaluation is critical because it informs the academic, developmental, and functional services that will be provided to the student. At the same time, these evaluations must be completed in a timely manner to ensure the successful coordination of services in the classroom.
 
While the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) provides a framework for what needs to go into an IEP, it allows states to determine a timeline for the completion of an initial evaluation. In the two decades since IDEA’s passage, Pennsylvania has provided a 60-calendar day timeframe for the completion and presentation of an initial evaluation. My legislation would extend this timeframe to 60-school days to allow more time for a thorough evaluation of a student’s disability.
 
Please join me in supporting this legislation to help ensure children with disabilities are granted a comprehensive evaluation that best informs an IEP for success in the classroom.