Did you know DESE has done away with the primary, secondary and tertiary disability eligibility criteria with the New IEP form?

This shift represents a significant step toward more inclusive and accurate identification of students' needs.

What’s the Reason for the Change?

• More Comprehensive Representation of Students
  The old system forced districts to prioritize disabilities in a hierarchy, often underrepresenting the full scope of a student’s challenges. By allowing teams to "check all that apply," the new format ensures that every area of need is documented, providing a clearer picture of the supports required.

• Alignment with IDEA and Best Practices
  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) emphasizes individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to meet all of a student’s unique needs. The new system reflects this principle by focusing on the entirety of a student’s profile, rather than ranking disabilities.

• Reducing Misinterpretation
  The tiered system could unintentionally lead to misunderstandings about the student’s primary challenges, particularly for students with co-occurring disabilities. The new approach eliminates this issue, emphasizing that no single disability should define a student’s eligibility or services.

• Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices
  Many students, especially those who are Autistic or have multiple disabilities, require supports that address a range of interconnected needs. The "check all that apply" format aligns with neurodiversity-affirming practices, highlighting the importance of seeing the whole student rather than narrowing their identity to a single label.

What Does This Mean for Families and Educators?

This change empowers IEP teams to focus on a strengths-based, needs-driven process. It also ensures that services and accommodations are better matched to students’ actual needs, fostering equity and inclusivity in special education.

By adopting this more holistic approach, DESE demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.

Next Training
See upcoming trainings about the new IEP form.