Understanding the IEP

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding, written document tailored to meet a student’s unique educational and functional needs. Before a student receives special education services, an IEP must be collaboratively developed by the IEP team and approved by the parent/guardian.

The IEP is a living document that is reviewed at least once per year and adjusted as the student grows and achieves new milestones.

• Present Levels of Performance (PLOP): A summary of your student’s current academic achievement, functional skills, strengths, and areas needing support.
• Measurable Annual Goals: Targeted goals designed to address your student's unique needs and track progress over the year.
• Special Education & Related Services: Detailed support services (such as specialized instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling) provided at no cost.
• Service Details: Information specifying when services will begin, how frequently they will occur, where they will be delivered, and for what duration.
• Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): The percentage of time your student will participate in general education classrooms and school activities with non-disabled peers.
• Individual Transition Plan (ITP): Post-secondary goals and transition services for students turning 16 (or younger if appropriate) focusing on college, vocational training, career paths, and independent living.

Parents and guardians must receive written notice of an upcoming IEP meeting in advance. This notice includes:

• Date, time, and location of the meeting
• Purpose of the meeting and topics to be discussed
• Names and titles of anticipated district participants
• A statement regarding your right to audio-record the meeting (requires 24-hour advance written notice to the school)

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled time, please contact your student's case carrier promptly to reschedule or arrange alternative participation (e.g., phone or video conference).

An IEP meeting is held in the following circumstances:

• Annual Review: Held at least once per year to review goal progress, evaluate placement, and establish new goals for the upcoming year.
• Triennial Re-Evaluation: Held every three years following a comprehensive reassessment to determine continued eligibility.
• Transition Planning: Initiated no later than age 16 to outline post-secondary transition goals and support services.
• Parent or Staff Request: Held whenever a parent, guardian, or teacher identifies a need to review or revise the program.
• Manifestation Determination: Required prior to any disciplinary removal or suspension exceeding 10 cumulative school days, to determine if the behavior was related to the student's disability.

If your child receives special education services, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team will meet at least once a year to review progress and update goals for the upcoming year. Additionally, every three years, a triennial reevaluation is conducted to assess continued eligibility and ongoing educational needs.

You or a school team member may request an IEP meeting or reassessment at any time if you have concerns about your child’s progress. To request a meeting, submit a written request to the school. By law, the district must hold the IEP meeting within 30 calendar days of receiving your request (excluding school breaks longer than five days). The school district must obtain your written consent before conducting any reassessment, following documented, reasonable efforts to contact you.

Parents or guardians have the right to request an IEP meeting at any time during the school year.

1. Submit a Request in Writing: Send a written request (email or letter) to your student's case carrier or school site administrator.
2. Timeline: Upon receipt of your written request, the district has 30 calendar days (excluding school vacations greater than 5 consecutive days) to schedule and hold the IEP meeting.

For assistance with an upcoming IEP meeting or questions regarding your student’s program, please contact your student’s IEP case carrier or school administrator.