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.