How to Read an IEP: Iowa State IEP Guide

281 Iowa Admin. Code Chapter 41 governs IEPs for approximately 70,000 Iowa students with IEPs (~14% of enrollment; OSEP Annual Report to Congress). The code is 108 pages long, without any table of contents or indexing which can make it challenging to find information in it– but Cornell law has a really well indexed version of the same code. The code has some unique elements, including specific language on paraprofessionals stating that they can “Not serve as a substitute for appropriately authorized professional personnel.” While there is no state set limit on special education teacher caseloads, there are mechanisms in the code for teachers to bring up caseload concerns; “(2) A description of how the caseloads of special education teachers will be determined and regularly monitored to ensure that the IEPs of eligible individuals are able to be fully implemented. (3) A description of the procedures a special education teacher can use to resolve concerns about caseload. The procedures shall specify timelines for the resolution of a concern and identify the person to whom a teacher reports a concern. The procedures shall also identify the person or persons who are responsible for reviewing a concern and rendering a decision, including the specification of any corrective actions.” There is also language specifying that interventions in general education have to be tried at least a little prior to an initial evaluation; “Each LEA, in conjunction with the AEA, shall attempt to resolve the presenting problem or behaviors of concern in the general education environment prior to conducting a full and individual evaluation.”

 The IOWA IDEA information site has really strong resources on IEPs and the special education process, including section by section guides to understanding IEPs, types of IEPs, and procedural safeguards. The state also offers parent resources that include what to expect at an IEP meeting, information on reevaluations, and lists of special education acronyms.

For parent resources, contact the ASK Resource Center—Iowa’s federally funded PTI—and Disability Rights Iowa for advocacy. The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council and Iowa Parent Information Network provide additional family support resources.

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