How to Read an IEP: Montana State IEP Guide

In Montana, the almost 22,000 students with IEPs (15%), are protected by Montana Administrative Rules 10.16, 10. 60, and the Montana Code (Mont. Code Ann. § 20-7-Part 4 (2025). While 10.60 contains information primarily on due process and identification, 10.16 is comprehensive, with guidelines (some of it repealed) on everything from funding to caseloads. The Code is also broad, outlining topics like LRE  in broad strokes as well as allowable costs, caseloads (appears repealed), and programming for low vision students.

Actual, concrete guidance on special education is found in the Montana Special Education guide. The revised 2026 guide specifies, for example, that schools “ must allow students eligible to receive special education services and who have successfully completed the goals identified on an IEP for high school completion to be awarded a diploma.” The guide then notes that a diploma based on meeting IEP goals does not end FAPE requirements. Students in Montana can receive special education services until age 22. That same guidance even specifies what special education courses should be called on transcripts; “Phrases such as “Special Education English,” “Inclusion Math,” or “Resource Math” should not appear on the transcript. Phrases such as “English Essentials,” or “Practical Math Applications”” should be used instead. The guide specifies everything from when students can be denied participation on a field trip (rarely), to what general education teachers are expected to contribute at IEP meetings; “must be able to convey to the IEP team information regarding the student’s current performance in each of their classes, any concerns.” Guidance on IEP writing is in bullet points, but the state also includes blank IEPs and blank prior written notice forms.  

For parent resources, check out the Montana Empowerment Center, which is Montana’s PTI, Montana Family to Family for family-based supports, and Disability Rights Montana for advocacy. MonTECH at the University of Montana’s Rural Institute offers assistive technology consultation for IEP teams.

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