Amending IEP Guidance
Amending IEPs – when to hold a meeting, and when you may agree to an amendment outside of a team meeting
Between annual IEP meetings, the IEP team may amend relevant section(s) of the IEP rather than redrafting the entire document.
An IEP amendment allows you and the IEP team to make specific, localized changes to a student's existing IEP between annual reviews without rewriting the entire document or resetting the annual due date.
Make sure that there continues to be alignment between the information in the Evaluation, PLAAFP, goals and objectives, progress monitoring procedures, and identified services.
Option A: Amending WITHOUT a Full IEP Team Meeting
If the parent(s)/caregiver and the district agree that a formal IEP meeting is not necessary, an IEP can be amended through an "Agreement to Amend." This involves an informal discussion among relevant team members, or the case manager communicating directly with members (e.g., in person, by phone, or in writing).
When to use this option:
- To modify existing IEP goals or short-term objectives (e.g., changing a measurement tool or a goal target).
- To make moderate or minor adjustments to the frequency or duration of a direct, indirect, or related service.
- To add, delete, or modify a supplementary aid, accommodation, modification, or assistive technology.
- To update a transportation provision.
- To change language related to district or state-wide assessments.
- To fix minor omissions or corrections.
How to proceed: All decision-making must include communication with the parent/caregiver, the student (if of transition age), and the specific IEP team members whose services are being amended. If agreement cannot be reached without a larger discussion, the full IEP team must convene
Option B: Amending WITH a Full IEP Team Meeting
Certain significant changes require a full IEP team meeting to ensure comprehensive input, data review, and collaboration. All standard attendance, documentation, and notice requirements that apply to annual IEP meetings apply to amendment meetings.
When to use this option:
- To add an entirely new annual IEP goal or remove an existing one.
- To add or remove a service entirely, or considerably adjust the frequency/duration of a service.
- To propose a change in the student's federal educational setting (LRE) or placement decision.
- If either the parent/caregiver or the school explicitly requests a meeting.
How to proceed: The case manager should identify the proposed change, collect supporting progress data, determine the required attendees, and issue a formal Notice of Team Meeting before convening
Documentation Requirements for All Amendments
Whether you hold a meeting or use an agreement to amend, rigorous documentation is required:
- Prior Written Notice (PWN): In Minnesota, a Prior Written Notice (PWN) must be provided before implementing the proposed amendment. Unless waived by the parent/caregiver or another exception applies, districts must provide 14 calendar days before implementing the change.
- The Amendment Form: Within SpEd Forms, ensure you click the "Amendment" checkbox and enter the specific IEP Amendment Date.
- Do Not Change the Annual Date: An amendment does not change the student's original annual IEP review date or 3-year reevaluation timeline.
- Ensure Alignment: Make sure that any changes maintain alignment across the document—meaning the Evaluation, Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), goals/objectives, progress monitoring procedures, and identified services still correspond logically.
- Parent/Caregiver Copy: Parents/Caregivers must be provided with the revised IEP document (often handled as an addendum attached to the existing IEP), so they have a clear record of exactly what was modified. This should be sent to the Parent/Caregiver as well as the home district rep.
