Under Illinois law, how many school days does a district have to complete an evaluation, hold an eligibility conference, and develop the IEP?

• A. 45 school days
• B. 30 school days
• C. 60 school days
• D. 90 school days

Answer: (C)

Illinois law requires a 60-school-day window from the start of the evaluation process to complete the evaluation, hold the eligibility conference, and develop the initial IEP. Once a district receives parental consent to evaluate (or initiates the referral), all three steps must be finished within 60 school days, counting only days the school is in session. This timeline ensures a timely identification of eligibility and timely provision of services for students who may have disabilities. The rule specifically applies to initial evaluations and the initial IEP; reevaluations or annual updates follow separate timelines.