Special Education Terms in Idaho
What special education terms does Idaho use?
Idaho's special education system uses terminology generally aligned with federal IDEA, with a few notable state-specific terms and distinctions. The Idaho State Department of Education (ISDE) is the state educational agency (SEA) overseeing special education in Idaho. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are Idaho's school districts and public charter schools responsible for providing FAPE. Idaho uses 'Intellectual Disability' consistent with Rosa's Law (34 CFR 300.8(a)(6)), unlike states that use older terminology such as 'Developmental Cognitive Disability' or 'Mental Retardation.' The term 'Emotional Disturbance' is used in Idaho (IDAPA 08.02.03.085), aligned with the federal definition — unlike states such as Minnesota that use 'Emotional or Behavioral Disorders.' Idaho uses 'Idaho Alternate Assessment' (IAA) for the state alternate assessment taken by students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. The 'Idaho Standards Achievement Tests' (ISAT) are the standard state assessments. 'Developmental Delay' is the term used for Idaho's early childhood eligibility category (ages 3-9). 'Response to Intervention' (RTI) or 'problem-solving model' describes Idaho's multi-tiered intervention framework used in SLD eligibility determination. Idaho administrative rules use the term 'agency' to refer to school districts and other LEAs providing special education services.
What Idaho Requires
Idaho State Department of Education (ISDE): the state educational agency (SEA) responsible for overseeing special education compliance and providing technical assistance in Idaho.
Intellectual Disability: Idaho uses the current federal term, consistent with Rosa's Law, rather than older terminology (IDAPA 08.02.03.087; 34 CFR 300.8(a)(6)).
Emotional Disturbance: Idaho uses the federal term (IDAPA 08.02.03.085), not the state-specific 'Emotional or Behavioral Disorders' used in some other states.
Idaho Alternate Assessment (IAA): the state alternate assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, used when standard ISAT participation is not appropriate.
Developmental Delay: Idaho's early childhood eligibility category, available for children ages 3-9, allowing services without a specific disability label (IDAPA 08.02.03.095).
RTI/Problem-Solving Model: Idaho's multi-tiered intervention framework used as one of two pathways for SLD eligibility determination (IDAPA 08.02.03.091).
Key Timelines
Developmental Delay category applies through age 9; by age 10, a specific disability category must support continued eligibility (IDAPA 08.02.03.095).
Idaho Alternate Assessment (IAA) is administered annually, with participation decisions made by the IEP team and documented in the IEP (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.06).