Amendments

The Bottom Line

Between annual IEP meetings, the IEP team may amend relevant section(s) of the IEP rather than redrafting the entire document.
Usually an IEP meeting is not needed (see Option A below), but there are circumstances where a meeting should be held (see Option B).
Make sure that there continues to be alignment between the information in the PLAAFP, the goals, progress monitoring procedures, and identified services.

Be sure to click the Amendment checkbox when completing an amendment.

Go-To Tools

The handy tools that help you get the job done efficiently.

Due Process Activity Lists - Master

There is a DPAL for both of the amendment options — meeting or no meeting.

The DPAL is a checklist that will walk you through the paperwork requirements.

Two Options — Meeting or No Meeting

OPTION A: Informal Discussion Between Relevant Members of the IEP Team; Partial IEP Team Convened

Examples of circumstances where this would be appropriate:

To modify existing IEP goals and/or short-term objectives (e.g., changes to measurement tool, goal target)
To make moderate adjustments to the duration and/or frequency of a direct, indirect, or related service
To add, delete, or modify a supplementary aid (e.g., accommodation, modification, or AT), service (e.g., paraprofessional support), or support to school personnel
To change a transportation provision
To change language related to state or district-wide assessment
For minor omissions/corrections

If the parent(s) and the district agree not to convene a formal IEP meeting, the amendment proposal must be reviewed either through an informal group discussion OR by the case manager connecting with team members separately (in person, over the phone, or via written communication).

All discussions, decision making, and commitment of resources must include communication with the parent, the student (if transition age), and all other IEP team members whose participation is relevant to the part(s) of the IEP being amended. If it becomes apparent that this cannot be accomplished without a formal meeting, the full IEP team must convene.

OPTION B: Formal IEP Meeting; Full IEP Team Convened

A meeting must be held:

To add or remove an annual IEP goal
To add, remove, or considerably adjust the frequency/duration of a direct, indirect, or related service
To propose a change in federal setting
If requested by the parent or the school

All IEP team attendance, documentation, and notice requirements covering annual IEP meetings also apply when a district convenes an IEP team meeting to consider a proposed IEP amendment.

Before the meeting, the case manager should identify the change that needs to be made, collect supporting data, determine who needs to be at the meeting, and send a Notice of Team Meeting.

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