Special Education Eligibility in Arizona

​In Arizona, the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities are governed by both federal and state laws. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the primary federal legislation ensuring that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their unique needs. Arizona aligns with the IDEA through specific statutes and regulations to address the educational requirements of these students.

State Statute and Regulations Guidelines

Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 15-761 - 15-767 and Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) § R7-2-401 outlines the state's standards for public agencies providing educational services to students with disabilities. Key provisions include:​

• IEP Development and Review: Public education agencies must establish procedures for creating, implementing, reviewing, and revising IEPs. These procedures must incorporate Arizona's academic standards and ensure that each student's IEP addresses grade-level expectations and content instruction. 

• Evaluation Timelines: Initial evaluations to determine eligibility for special education services must be completed within 60 calendar days of receiving parental consent.

• Parental Involvement: Schools are required to obtain informed written consent from parents before initiating special education services and must provide prior written notice before making any changes to a child's identification, evaluation, or educational placement. ​

  
  

IEP Components

An IEP in Arizona must include:​

• A statement of the child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance.​

• Measurable annual goals.​

• A description of how progress toward meeting the annual goals will be measured.​

• A statement of the special education and related services to be provided.​

• An explanation of the extent to which the child will not participate with nondisabled children.

• Accommodations necessary for assessments.​

• The projected start date, frequency, location, and duration of services.

• For students aged 16 and older, appropriate postsecondary goals and transition services. ​

  
  

  

  
  

Procedural Safeguards

Arizona provides procedural safeguards to protect the rights of students with disabilities and their parents. These include the right to participate in meetings, examine educational records, and seek independent educational evaluations. Schools must provide parents with a notice detailing these safeguards annually and upon specific events, such as initial referrals or requests for evaluations.

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