USDOE FAPE Guidance
- os-specialed
- Nov 30, 2015
- 1 min read
In guidance released Tuesday, November 17th, 2015 the U.S. Department of Education clarified that all IEPs should conform to “the state’s academic content standards for the grade in which the child is enrolled.” IEP teams must ensure that programs feature grade-level academics, but that instruction and support services are tailored so children can learn the material and progress toward achieving their individual goals. However, for the “very small number” of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities states are allowed to establish “alternate academic achievement standards.” In cases where children are significantly behind grade level, IEP teams should establish goals that are “ambitious but achievable.” While such children may not reach grade level within a year, “goals should be sufficiently ambitious to help close the gap.” The guidance does not impose new rules on states or school districts, but offers information to assist those entities in meeting their obligations under existing law.
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