IEP Amendments

Amending an IEP Without Convening an IEP Team Meeting

IDEA permits changes to be made to a student’s IEP after the annual review meeting, either by convening another IEP team meeting or by amending the IEP without holding an IEP team meeting. Parents/guardians and MCPS must agree not to convene an IEP team meeting for purposes of making such changes. If no agreement is reached, a meeting must be held. If the parent agrees to amend the IEP without a meeting, the IEP team shall develop a written document to amend or modify the child’s current IEP.

If the parent agrees to amending the IEP without a meeting, the parent shall be provided a revised copy of the student’s IEP that incorporates the amendments as well as prior written notice documenting the changes made. Changes, such as the addition or removal of a supplementary aid or services or changing the evaluation method for a goal, are a few examples of those changes that can be made by an IEP amendment without a meeting.

An IEP team meeting must be scheduled when the IEP team anticipates that major changes may be made to the IEP such as:

• a change in placement

• a change in eligibility category

• dismissal from special education

• change in the least restrictive environment for the student

• discussion of, or revisions to, ESY services

• participation in state assessments

All staff members who must implement the amendment must be notified and a copy of the amendment and the prior written notice must be included in the student’s confidential file.