IEP Accommodations in Minnesota
What IEP accommodations are available in Minnesota?
Minnesota IEPs must specify all accommodations that enable the student with a disability to access the general curriculum and participate in assessments. Under Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(C), the IEP must include a statement of supplementary aids and services and program modifications to support the student in regular education settings. For state and districtwide assessments, the IEP must specify any individual appropriate modifications; if the student will take an alternate assessment, the IEP must explain why the student cannot participate in regular assessments and which alternate assessment is appropriate (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(E)). Minnesota participates in the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA), the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) for alternate assessment, and the ACCESS for ELLs for English language learners. Accommodations must be provided at no cost to the family as part of FAPE. All teachers and service providers must be informed of their specific responsibilities for implementing accommodations (34 CFR 300.323(d)). Minnesota parents may record IEP meetings without notifying the district, as Minnesota is a one-party consent state under Minn. Stat. § 626A.02 — this recording right is an important parent protection in the accommodations discussion process.
What Minnesota Requires
The IEP must specify all supplementary aids and services and program modifications to support the student's access to the general curriculum (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(C)).
For state and districtwide assessments (MCAs), the IEP must list individual appropriate modifications (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(E)).
If the student will take the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) alternate assessment, the IEP must explain why the student cannot participate in the regular assessment (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(E)).
All regular and special education teachers and related service providers must be informed of their responsibilities for implementing the student's accommodations (34 CFR 300.323(d)).
Accommodations must be provided at no cost to the family as part of FAPE (Minn. Stat. § 125A.08; 34 CFR 300.17).
Minnesota is a one-party consent state for recordings — parents may record IEP meetings without prior notice to the district (Minn. Stat. § 626A.02).
Key Timelines
Accommodations must be in effect at the beginning of each school year (34 CFR 300.323(a)).
IEP accommodations must be reviewed at least annually and revised as needed (Minn. R. 3525.3100).
Progress on the effectiveness of accommodations is reviewed through periodic progress reports at least as frequently as report cards (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(I)).