E20. What Legally Has to Be in Every IEP

15/09/2025 21 min
E20. What Legally Has to Be in Every IEP

Listen "E20. What Legally Has to Be in Every IEP"

Episode Synopsis

If you’ve ever wondered what absolutely must be in every IEP you write — whether it’s your first or your 400th — this episode is for you. Stephanie breaks down the 8 legally required components of an IEP under IDEA, plus a few bonus considerations that often get overlooked but are just as important.Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:Why present levels set the stage for everything elseHow to write measurable annual goals that keep you compliant and meaningfulWhat IDEA says about progress monitoring and parent communicationThe services, supports, and accommodations section — and why it must tie back to dataWhat to include in your LRE statement and why it’s one of the most litigated areas of an IEPThe logistics that make your plan actionable: start dates, frequency, location, and durationTransition planning requirements (and why waiting until age 16 is often too late)Placement decisions and the importance of considering general education firstPlus: extra legal requirements for students with specific needsBy the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what belongs in every IEP — no fluff, no “my district likes it this way,” just the federally required pieces that keep your paperwork compliant and your students supported.Make IEP writing easier with the IEP ToolkitAnd don’t forget — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/https://www.theintentionaliep.com/https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliephttps://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep