What must be in an IEP?

Quick answer

An IEP must include your child's present levels of performance, measurable annual goals, special education and related services, participation in state and district assessments, dates and duration of services, placement in the least restrictive environment, and transition services when the child turns 16 or sooner if appropriate. It must also explain how progress will be measured and reported to you.

What this means for parents

Schools sometimes hand parents a service grid and call it an IEP. Federal law requires more than a list of minutes.

• Present levels describe how your child is doing now in academics, behavior, communication, and other relevant areas.
• Goals must be measurable and tied to present levels so you can tell whether services are working.
• Services must state type, frequency, duration, and location, not vague phrases like as needed.
• Placement is the setting where services happen, such as general education with supports or a separate class.
• The IEP team, including you, writes the IEP. The school cannot present a finished plan with no real discussion.

Questions to ask about IEP content

Use this checklist before you sign or consent to services.

1. Where in the IEP are present levels for academics, behavior, and functional skills?
2. Are annual goals measurable, and do they match the needs described in present levels?
3. Does the service page list exact frequency, duration, and provider for each service?
4. What placement was considered, and why is this setting the least restrictive appropriate option?
5. How and how often will progress be reported to me?

Simple parent script

Common mistakes to avoid

• Signing an IEP that lists services without measurable goals.
• Accepting present levels copied from last year with no current data.
• Letting placement be decided before services and goals are clear.
• Assuming a verbal promise of support counts if it is not written in the IEP.
• Not asking how accommodations, behavior supports, or transition plans fit into the document.

When to get more help

Consider getting help when the school pressures you to sign an incomplete IEP, removes required sections without explanation, or you need help comparing the draft to evaluation data and your child's daily needs.