IEP Service Delivery in Wisconsin
How are IEP services delivered in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not mandate statewide class size caps for special education programs by disability type, but requires that all services be specified in the IEP with frequency, duration, and location (Wis. Stat. § 115.787(2)(f)). Wisconsin expressly requires that physical education — including specially designed physical education — be made available to every student with a disability (34 CFR 300.108; referenced in Wis. Stat. § 115.787). Service delivery must use methods and strategies based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable (Wis. Stat. § 115.787(2)(c)). Wisconsin emphasizes delivery of services in the least restrictive environment; removal from general education is only permitted when education cannot be achieved satisfactorily with supplementary aids and services even with maximum appropriate integration (Wis. Stat. § 115.79(1)(c)-(d)). Wisconsin's 12 regional CESAs (Wis. Stat. § 116.01) frequently provide specialized or low-incidence services to member districts. Wisconsin DPI provides guidance on integrated co-teaching and in-class support models as preferred alternatives to pull-out when appropriate.
What Wisconsin Requires
Services must be specified in the IEP with frequency, duration, and location (Wis. Stat. § 115.787(2)(f); 34 CFR 300.320(a)(7)).
Special education services must be based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable (Wis. Stat. § 115.787(2)(c)).
Physical education — including specially designed physical education — must be made available to every student with a disability; the IEP team must address physical education needs (34 CFR 300.108; Wis. Stat. § 115.787).
Services must be delivered in the LRE; removal from general education is permitted only when education cannot be achieved satisfactorily with supplementary aids and services (Wis. Stat. § 115.79(1)(d)).
Wisconsin's 12 CESAs provide contracted specialized services (PT, OT, low-incidence specialists, etc.) to member districts on a shared-services basis (Wis. Stat. § 116.01).
The IEP team must consider assistive technology devices and services for every student with a disability (34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(v)).
Key Timelines
Services must begin on the projected start date documented in the IEP (Wis. Stat. § 115.787(2)(f)).
Service delivery models must be reviewed at least annually at the IEP meeting (Wis. Stat. § 115.787(4)).