How to Read an IEP: Kansas State IEP Guide

Special education in Kansas is outlined in Kansas Administrative Regulations Article 40. Overall, the regulations generally mirror IDEA with few noticeable additions, although the eligibility section does use the term mental retardation, which is outdated. The regulations do specify that; “(5) Each teacher and provider described in paragraph (4) of this subsection is informed of the following: (A) That individual’s specific responsibilities related to implementing the child’s IEP; and (B) the specific accommodations, modifications, and supports that must be provided for the child in accordance with the IEP,” which is a well phrased statement that folks need to know what they are supposed to do with the IEPs! About 75,000 students in Kansas have IEPs (~14% of enrollment; OSEP Annual Report to Congress). 

The state is a leader in MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support), integrating it with response to intervention for special education. The state is highly rural, creating special education challenges. The state operates seven educational service agencies,  which provide professional learning opportunities and additional supports. KSDE Special Education Services provides IEP guidance through its special education page, including required IEP forms and notices and the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook.

For parent resources, contact Families Together—Kansas’s federally funded PTI—and the Disability Rights Center of Kansas for advocacy support. The Kansas Developmental Disabilities Council provides additional family navigation resources.

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