Special Education Terms in Minnesota
What special education terms does Minnesota use?
Minnesota uses several state-specific terms in its special education system that differ from federal IDEA terminology and from other states. The IEP Manager is Minnesota's term for the special education case manager — a licensed teacher or related service staff member designated to coordinate service delivery and serve as the primary parent contact (Minn. R. 3525.0550). Minnesota uses 'Emotional or Behavioral Disorders' (EBD) rather than the federal term 'Emotional Disturbance' (Minn. R. 3525.1329), and 'Developmental Cognitive Disability' (DCD) rather than the federal 'Intellectual Disability' (Minn. R. 3525.1333). The 'Conciliation Conference' is Minnesota's mandatory pre-hearing dispute resolution step, where a school district representative and parents discuss the disagreement; this is a Minnesota-specific process (Minn. Stat. § 125A.091, subd. 7). 'SRBI' (Scientifically Research-Based Interventions) is Minnesota's term for multi-tiered systems of support / response to intervention used in SLD determination. 'Developmental Adapted Physical Education' (DAPE) is a Minnesota-specific disability category and service (Minn. R. 3525.1352). The 'Pupil' terminology is used in Minnesota rules where other states might say 'student' or 'child.' Additionally, Minnesota is a one-party consent state under Minn. Stat. § 626A.02, which means parents may record IEP meetings without notifying the school — a meaningful practical right in the context of IEP disagreements.
What Minnesota Requires
IEP Manager: Minnesota's required designated coordinator for each student's special education services, responsible for coordinating delivery and parent communication (Minn. R. 3525.0550).
Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (EBD): Minnesota's term for the federal 'Emotional Disturbance' category, with unique cross-setting and duration requirements (Minn. R. 3525.1329).
Developmental Cognitive Disability (DCD): Minnesota's term for the federal 'Intellectual Disability' category (Minn. R. 3525.1333).
Conciliation Conference: Minnesota's mandatory pre-hearing dispute resolution step, required before due process may be initiated (Minn. Stat. § 125A.091, subd. 7).
SRBI (Scientifically Research-Based Interventions): Minnesota's term for the multi-tiered intervention framework used in SLD eligibility determination (Minn. R. 3525.1341).
Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE): a Minnesota-specific eligibility category and related service for students with significant motor impairments (Minn. R. 3525.1352).
One-party recording consent: Minnesota's Minn. Stat. § 626A.02 permits parents to record IEP and 504 meetings without prior notice to the school.
Key Timelines
IEP manager designation is required for each student; coordination responsibilities are ongoing throughout the academic year (Minn. R. 3525.0550).
Conciliation conference must be convened within 10 calendar days of a parent's request (Minn. Stat. § 125A.091, subd. 7).