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Special Education

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Indicator 11: Child Find (Initial Evaluations)

What Is Indicator 11?

Indicator 11 (sometimes called "Child Find") involves the collection of data to determine the percentage of initial evaluations for special education that have been completed within the required state timeframe. Per 603 CMR 28.04 (02)), upon consent of a parent, the school district shall provide or arrange for the evaluation of the student by a multidisciplinary team within 30 school days.

Why Is Indicator 11 Important?

Indicator 11 data reflect the state's overall compliance with child find requirements (the identification of children with disabilities who need special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)). Our work ensures that students are evaluated in a timely fashion. It also ensures those determined eligible are receiving needed services and supports without unnecessary delay, as such delays could, in turn, result in delays or denials of a free and appropriate public education.

Indicator 11 Measurement

Indicator 11 is a percentage calculated by dividing the number of students with initial evaluations completed within the federal or state-established timeline by the total number of students for whom parental consent (as defined by 603 CMR 28.02(4)) for initial evaluation was received.

In Massachusetts, the calculation is as follows:

Number of students with initial evaluation assessments completed within 30 school days
divided by
Number of students for whom parental consent for initial evaluations was received

Definition of School Days

For the purposes of tracking initial evaluations, a school day is defined as the business time for which school staff are required to report to work. The first school working day that an LEA receives written parent consent for evaluation is considered day one (1) of the initial evaluation timeline. LEAs may denote this receipt date on the parent consent form.

Indicator 11 Rates for Students with IEPs

In Massachusetts, data for Indicator 11 (Child Find) come from information submitted by school districts in a given Integrated Monitoring cohort. State monitors review and verify submitted information to determine compliance with state and federal requirements.

Because this is a measure of compliance, the federal government requires a target of 100% compliance. Statewide compliance rates for the most recent 5 school years are as follows:

  • FFY2019 — School Year 2019-2020: 97.28%
  • FFY2020 — School Year 2020-2021: 93.49%
  • FFY2021 — School Year 2021-2022: 88.38%
  • FFY2022 — School Year 2022-2023: 95.32%
  • FFY2023 — School Year 2023-2024: 85.75%

Learn More about Indicator 11:

Additional Resources:

Last Updated: September 18, 2025

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