Summary of Minnesota Senate Bill S.F. No. 2078

This bill proposes modifications to Minnesota's Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements for students with disabilities. The key changes include:

1. Ensuring Appropriate Services

   • School districts must provide special instruction and services suited to students' needs.
     
   • The IEP team may consider cost-effectiveness when selecting educational services, technology, or related aids.
     
   • Medical assistance services may be included if deemed necessary.
     

2. Medical Documentation Requirement

   • Before classifying a student under "other health disability," the evaluation team must obtain written documentation of the student's diagnosed chronic or acute health condition from a licensed medical professional.
     

3. Transition Planning

   • Starting in grade 9, transition planning must address postsecondary education, employment, community participation, recreation, and independent living.
     
   • Parents can request to delay this planning until the student turns 16.
     
   • If the IEP includes necessary transition components under state law, a separate transition plan will not be required.
     

4. Early Childhood Special Education

   • Children under age five with disabilities and their families must receive appropriate special education services.
     

5. Parental Rights and Procedural Safeguards

   • Parents/guardians must have a role in decisions concerning assessment and educational placement.
     

6. Least Restrictive Environment Requirement

   • Students with disabilities should be educated alongside non-disabled peers whenever possible.
     
   • Separate schooling should only occur when absolutely necessary.
     

7. Eliminating Discriminatory Practices in Evaluations

   • Assessment tools must be free from racial or cultural bias.
     

8. Protecting Child’s Rights in Special Cases

   • If a child’s parents are unknown, unavailable, or if the child is a ward of the state, their educational rights must still be safeguarded.
     

Amendment to IEP Rules

• The Minnesota Department of Education must update its rules to remove the requirement for benchmarks and short-term objectives in IEPs. Moving forward, IEPs will only need to include measurable annual goals.
  

The bill has been referred to the Education Policy Committee for further consideration.