Required IEP Sections in Vermont
What sections are required in an IEP in Vermont?
Vermont IEPs must contain all components required by federal law (34 CFR 300.320) as implemented through Vermont's Special Education Regulations (Series 2360). Required sections include: present levels of academic achievement and functional performance; measurable annual goals with benchmarks or short-term objectives; 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. Vermont additionally requires that the IEP document extended school year (ESY) consideration (VT AOE Rule 2360.7.1). For students age 16 and older, Vermont requires transition service components on the IEP (consistent with the federal minimum; Vermont encourages transition planning beginning at age 14 as best practice). At age 18 the IEP must document transfer of rights to the student unless the student has been determined to lack decision-making capacity (VT AOE Rule 2365.1.12).
What Vermont Requires
Present levels of academic achievement and functional performance must describe how the disability affects involvement in the general curriculum (34 CFR 300.320(a)(1); VT AOE Rule 2360.7.1).
Measurable annual goals must address disability-related needs and enable progress in the general curriculum; Vermont requires benchmarks or short-term objectives for students taking alternate assessments (VT AOE Rule 2360.7.1; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(2)).
The IEP must specify all special education, related services, supplementary aids and services, and program modifications with frequency, location, duration, and projected start date (VT AOE Rule 2360.7.1).
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 (VT AOE Rule 2360.7.1; 34 CFR 300.320(a)(6)).
Beginning at age 16, the IEP must include transition service components; Vermont encourages transition planning to begin at age 14 as best practice (VT AOE Rule 2363.7; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
At age 18, the IEP must document that the student has been informed of the transfer of educational rights (VT AOE Rule 2365.1.12).
ESY eligibility must be considered by the IEP team each year; if determined necessary for FAPE, ESY services must be provided (VT AOE Rule 2360.7.1).
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 within 30 calendar days of the eligibility determination (VT AOE Rule 2360.6.1; 34 CFR 300.323(c)).
The IEP must be reviewed at least annually and revised as needed (VT AOE Rule 2360.7.2).
Transition service needs must be formally addressed beginning at age 16; earlier transition planning at age 14 is encouraged (VT AOE Rule 2363.7; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Prior written notice must be provided a reasonable time before the proposed effective date of any IEP change (VT AOE Rule 2360.9.2).