Evaluation Timeline Extension Request

Teams may request an extension of the evaluation timeline for the following reasons only:

• a review of the existing data, including input from the child's parent(s)/legal guardian(s), indicates that more time is needed to adequately determine the student's response to intervention and the presence of a specific learning disability;

• the parent/legal guardian of a child repeatedly fails or refuses to produce the child for the evaluation; or

• the child enrolls in another school district after the timeframe has begun and a determination of eligibility was not completed by the school district that commenced the initial evaluation process, the succeeding district is making sufficient progress to ensure completion of the evaluation, and the parent/legal guardian and the succeeding district agree on a specific timeframe within which the evaluation will be completed.

Within the Eligibility Process tab of TNPulse, the Certifying Specialist would need to complete and submit the required information in the Timeline Extension Request section of the Eligibility Process Tab. The request is then approved or denied electronically by the State. If approved, the evaluation timeline will be changed in TNPulse and will reflect the new due date. 

It is imperative that teams track referrals to ensure timely completion. This will require the Special Education Case Manager and Certifying Specialist to be in constant contact. Please do not wait until the last minute to submit a timeline extension request should one of the reasons above apply to your situation. Feel free to reach out to your level coordinator for support as needed.