The IEP

What is an IEP

Each child who receives special education and related services must have an IEP, and each IEP must be designed for one student and must be a truly individualized document. The IEP is a legally binding document and the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability. It enables the IEP Team (parents, school service providers and adminstrators) to work together as a team to improve the educational accomplishments for a child with disabilities and should include measurable goals

Timeline for Implemention

You should receive a summary of the goals, services, and accommodations at the IEP meeting (whether it is an eligibility meeting or annual/triennial review). 

• For initial IEPs, if your child is found eligible, you should receive a copy of the IEP within 45 school days of consent to evaluate your child.

• For annual or triennial reviews, you should receive copy of the IEP within 2 calendar (not school day) weeks of the IEP meeting.

Rejecting an IEP

You must accept or reject the IEP (in full or partially) within 30 days of receiving the IEP. You can reject the entire IEP, or you can reject portions of the IEP that you feel need further discussion or changes. 

• If you reject the entire IEP, no services will begin until the team has come to an agreement. 

• If you reject portions of the IEP, you have to clearly list the parts you have rejected, and then services will start on the parts you have accepted. 

Stay-put Rights If your child is already on an IEP, and you reject the IEP after an annual review, you have “stay-put” rights, meaning the school must follow the last agreed-upon IEP. This agreement includes decisions about placement. 

NEW IEP INTRODUCTION 2023/2024

In MA, the current IEP form was introduced in 2000. DESE embarked on multi-year IEP Improvement Project in response to stakeholder requests. The new IEP form was “released” by DESE in April 2023. Schools/district have the choice to implement the new form Fall 2023 or Fall 2024. 

 Useful Overview of IEP from Perkins School for the Blind

https://www.mass.gov/doc/the-new-individualized-education-program-iep-in-action/download

DOE Quick Reference Guide for new IEP

https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/ImproveIEP/info-for-parents.pdf

Useful Links

What is an IEP

https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/what-is-an-iep/

Process Guide for IEP

https://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html

What belongs in an IEP

https://fcsn.org/parents-guide/

IEP Measureable Goals

https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/cspd/mod1F.html

Definition of Effective Progress

https://www.mpgfirm.com/working-around-school-district-policies-that-disrupt-the-iep-process/

With IEPs Good People Can Disagree

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/with-ieps-good-people-can-disagree

Don't IEP Alone - A day in our shoes

https://adayinourshoes.com/

Walpole SEPAC does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented on any third-party website listed on this site. In addition, the SEPAC does not endorse any of the informational content appearing on third-party websites or any of the providers listed on the SEPAC website. The SEPAC merely provides a listing of organizations available to our members to gather information. Members need to do their own diligence and research.