What are the essential elements of an IEP as required by IDEA?

• A. Attendance policies and bus routes.
• B. School rules and dress code.
• C. Extracurricular activity schedule.
• D. Present levels, annual goals, special education and related services, accommodations, LRE, duration of services, initiation date, and transition services if eligible.

Answer: (D)

The essential elements of an IEP include present levels of performance, measurable annual goals, the special education and related services to be provided, accommodations and supports to access the general curriculum, the extent of participation with non-disabled peers (LRE), the duration of services, the initiation date, and transition services if the student is eligible. This combination captures where the student currently stands academically and functionally, what progress is expected each year, the specific services and supports the school will provide, how the student will participate with peers, when those services start and how long they will continue, and how planning will address life after school. The other options mention items like attendance policies, dress codes, or extracurricular schedules, which are not core required elements of the IEP.