Indicator 11: Child Find (Initial Evaluations)

What is Indicator 11?

Indicator 11 collects data to determine whether students receive initial evaluations and whether eligibility for special education is determined within the Massachusetts timeline of 45 school working days.

Why is Indicator 11 important?

Indicator 11 ensures that students are evaluated in a timely way so that students who are determined eligible are receiving needed services and supports without unnecessary delay.
Schools must comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 34 CFR 300.111 and 300.301 and with Massachusetts regulations, 603 CMR 28.04.
Evaluations that are not completed within the required timeline may result in a delay or denial of a free and appropriate public education.

How is Indicator 11 data collected?

Indicator 11 data comes from information submitted by school districts to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Submitted information includes:
- Date of parental consent for initial evaluation
- Date of eligibility meeting
- Whether the student was eligible for services
- Disability category
- Reasons for delays
State monitors review and verify submitted information to determine compliance with state and federal requirements.

How is Indicator 11 calculated?

Indicator 11 is calculated using:

The number of students with evaluations completed within the required timeline
The total number of students for whom parental consent was received.

Indicator 11 Data

Because this is a measure of compliance, the federal government requires a target of 100% compliance.

School Year	2016-2017	2017-2018	2018-2019	2019-2020	2020-2021	2021-2022
Percentage Statewide Compliance	95.83%	96.50%	91.69%	97.28%	93.49%	88.38%

Learn More about Indicator 11:

Additional Resources:

Last Updated: July 17, 2023