Which items are included in every IEP?

• A. present levels; annual goals; specific special education services; the projected date and duration of services; the objective; accommodations and supports; the rationale; if the student has transition services.
• B. present levels; annual goals; the objective; the rationale.
• C. present levels; annual goals; evaluations; parent contact notes.
• D. present levels; annual goals; disciplinary actions; accommodations and supports.

Answer: (A)

An IEP must lay out a student’s current performance and how their learning will be supported over time. The essential pieces include describing where the student is now (present levels of academic achievement and functional performance), what the student will work toward (measurable annual goals with clear objectives or benchmarks for progress), and the specific supports to be provided (special education services and any related services or accommodations). It also requires a clear timeline for when those services will start and how long they will last, so everyone understands the schedule. If the student is at an age where transition planning is required, the IEP must include transition services. When all of these elements are present, the plan gives a complete, actionable path for the student’s education.