Required IEP Sections in Minnesota
What sections are required in an IEP in Minnesota?
Minnesota IEPs must contain all components required by federal law (34 CFR 300.320) as implemented through Minn. R. 3525.2810. Required sections include: present levels of academic achievement and functional performance; measurable annual goals with benchmarks or short-term objectives for ALL students (a Minnesota requirement exceeding federal law); special education and related services, supplementary aids and services, and program modifications; explanation of non-participation with nondisabled peers; individual modifications for state and districtwide assessments; projected start date, frequency, location, and duration of services; and how progress will be measured and reported to parents. Minnesota additionally requires a statement of need for and specific responsibilities of any paraprofessional (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(H)), and a statement documenting any behavioral intervention plan requirements under Minn. Stat. § 125A.0942. Transition service needs must be addressed beginning in grade 9 (Minn. R. 3525.2900, subp. 4; Minn. Stat. § 125A.08). At age 18 the IEP must document transfer of rights to the student (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(G)).
What Minnesota Requires
Present levels of academic achievement and functional performance must describe how the disability affects involvement in the general curriculum (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(A)).
Measurable annual goals with benchmarks or short-term objectives must address disability-related needs and enable progress in the general curriculum — required for ALL students in Minnesota, not just alternate assessment students (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(B)).
The IEP must specify all special education, related services, supplementary aids and services, and program modifications with frequency, location, duration, and projected start date (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(C), (F)).
The IEP must include a statement of need for any paraprofessional and describe the paraprofessional's specific responsibilities — a Minnesota-specific requirement beyond federal law (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(H)).
Individual modifications for state and districtwide assessments must be specified, or the IEP must explain why the student cannot participate and which alternate assessment is appropriate (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(E)).
Beginning in grade 9 (age 14), the IEP must address transition service needs annually (Minn. R. 3525.2900, subp. 4; Minn. Stat. § 125A.08).
At age 18, the IEP must document that the student has been informed of the transfer of rights (Minn. R. 3525.2810, subp. 1(G)).
Key Timelines
The IEP must be in effect at the beginning of each school year (34 CFR 300.323(a)).
Initial IEP must be developed and in effect within 30 school days of the eligibility determination (Minn. R. 3525.2810; Minn. Stat. § 125A.08).
The IEP must be reviewed at least annually and revised as needed (Minn. R. 3525.3100).
Transition service needs must be addressed beginning in grade 9 (age 14), reviewed annually (Minn. R. 3525.2900, subp. 4).
Prior written notice must be provided at least 14 calendar days before the proposed effective date of any IEP change (Minn. R. 3525.3600).