How many days are allowed to provide a Prereferral Team Evaluation (PTE) after an oral request?

The Prereferral Team Evaluation (PTE) is a crucial step in the process of identifying students who may need special education services, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. According to regulations and best practices, after an oral request for evaluation is made, the team is given a specified time frame to conduct the evaluation. The correct time frame is 10 days. This allows for a timely response to the needs of the student, ensuring that appropriate measures can be taken without unnecessary delay.

In this context, 10 days strikes a balance between giving the team sufficient time to gather necessary information and assessments while also maintaining a sense of urgency to address the educational needs of the student promptly. Keeping the evaluation process within this timeframe promotes collaboration and timely decision-making among educators, specialists, and families involved in the student’s education.