IEP Accommodations in Rhode Island
What IEP accommodations are available in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island IEPs must specify all accommodations that enable the student to access the general curriculum, participate in instruction, and participate in state and districtwide assessments. Under 200-RICR-20-10-1.6(A)(4), the IEP must include a statement of supplementary aids and services and program modifications. For state assessments (Rhode Island uses the Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System — RICAS — and the Alternate Assessment based on Alternate Achievement Standards — AA-AAS), the IEP must specify individual accommodations or, if the student takes the alternate assessment, explain why and identify the appropriate alternate assessment (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(A)(6)). Rhode Island's assessment system is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). Accommodations must be at no cost to the family as part of FAPE. All general and special education teachers and related service providers must be informed of their responsibilities for implementing accommodations (34 CFR 300.323(d)).
What Rhode Island Requires
The IEP must specify all supplementary aids and services and program modifications to support the student's access to the general curriculum (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(A)(4); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(4)).
For state assessments (RICAS), the IEP must list individual appropriate accommodations (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(A)(6); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(6)).
If the student takes the RI Alternate Assessment (AA-AAS), the IEP must explain why the student cannot participate in the regular assessment and which alternate assessment is appropriate (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(A)(6)).
All regular and special education teachers and related service providers must be informed of their specific 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 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-24-1; 34 CFR 300.17).
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 (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(D)).
RICAS accommodation request windows are set annually by RIDE; IEP teams must ensure accommodations are documented in the IEP before assessment windows open.