How to Read an IEP: Nebraska State IEP Guide

Nebraska’s Rule 51 (92 Neb. Admin. Code § 51) outlines regulations and standards for the 56,000 students (17%) of students in the state with IEPs. The 119 page document has everything from how people can apply for funding to “conduct innovative educational projects for the purpose of improving instruction or increasing educational opportunities,” to IEP team members and prior written notice requirements. The state is a leader on inclusion of students with disabilities, but is working on evening out access to school district transfers under the state’s open enrollment program.

The state offers significant resources for writing IEPs, including annotated IEPs (high school here), guidance for high-quality IEP development, and a blank IEP. The state office of special education also has resources for inclusion, including myth-busting co-teaching, a guidance document for inclusion, a guide for selecting accommodations, a technical guide on behavior supports, and paraeducator resources. 

For parent resources, check out  PTI Nebraska—Nebraska’s PTI—and Disability Rights Nebraska for advocacy. The Nebraska Developmental Disabilities Council and Nebraska Family Helpline through NDE provide additional family support resources.

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