How to Read an IEP: Idaho State IEP Guide

Idaho’s special education regulations at Idaho Admin. Code §§ 08.02.03–08.02.04 govern IEPs for approximately 42,000 Idaho students with IEPs (~14% of enrollment; OSEP Annual Report to Congress). Idaho’s rules closely track federal IDEA requirements with minimal state-specific additions– the state regulations are 4.5 pages– although the state does add on to IDEA with specific language on non-discrimination at charter schools and on home schooled students.The state regulations also allow IFSPs (Individual Family Service Plans) to be used with 3 to 5 year olds (IDEA stops IFSPs at age 3)– and the state specifies that, while Assistive Technology devices are free; “Education agencies may hold a parent liable for the replacement or repair of an assistive technology device that is purchased or otherwise procured by the education agency if it is lost, stolen, or damaged due to negligence or misuse at home or in another setting outside of school time.” There is also this; “School districts shall use a regular diploma for students who are eligible for special education at the completion of their secondary program. The transcript serves as a record of individual accomplishments, achievements, and courses completed.” Most states do a certificate of completion for students who need services post grade 12, but Idaho does a regular diploma and lets the transcript speak for itself.

The Idaho Special Education Manual (2025 update) is the primary state-level IEP guidance document and covers eligibility, IEP development, procedural safeguards, and compliance requirements. Idaho SDE has many special education resources up on line, including information on EDPlan, the state’s voluntary electronic IEP writing program which is used by over 90 districts and charter schools- and includes built in IEP translation features. 

SDE also has resources for parents, including a really nice challenging behavior flow chart, a manifest determination flow chart, a 177 page binder for students on transitioning that includes how to hold student led IEPs, why students are supposed to go to their IEPs, and what self-advocacy is. For more parent resources check out Idaho Parents Unlimited (IPUL), which serves as both the PTI and family resource center– and the Disability Rights Idaho for advocacy support. The Idaho Council for Developmental Disabilities also provides family navigation resources for IEP-related questions.

To see what IEPs look like in Idaho– and guidance on how to read IEPs (and how to know if they are well written!), check out the IEP section guide below.