The special education team ensures the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To achieve this, we provide guidance and resources to our state's educators and families so they can engage in the vital work of providing Idaho students with disabilities the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their potential.
Through collaboration with our education partners, we provide a support-focused framework that allows our educators and families to meaningfully engage in providing students with the quality education that all students deserve.
Medicaid Advisory Committee Meeting
The Medicaid Advisory Committee announces an open meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 1:00 – 3:00 PM (MT). PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A DATE CHANGE. This meeting will be held in the Star Garnet Conference Room at the Office of the Idaho State Department of Education, 650 W State Street, Boise, Idaho 83720.
This meeting is open for public comment in-person and virtually. To attend virtually, please pre-register. Contact Shannon Dunstan at (208) 332-6809 if you have any questions.
Agenda will be posted prior to the meeting.
Proposed Idaho Special Education Manual (Temporary & Pending Rule Considerations)
The Idaho Special Education Manual (Manual), incorporated by reference into the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act (IDAPA), serves as the foundation for ensuring the state’s compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) throughout Idaho’s public school system. Over the past year, the Manual has undergone a comprehensive review to enhance alignment with IDEA requirements and address feedback from both federal and state education partners regarding its implementation in Idaho. Pursuant to the IDEA, the Idaho Department of Education has actively sought public input and convened two public hearings to gather feedback on the proposed revisions to the Idaho Special Education Manual.
The proposed revisions in this redline version—including those changes approved by the Idaho Department of Education through the public comment form and formal hearings—are being submitted under the pending rule consideration process. If adopted by the Idaho Legislature during the 2026 legislative session, these revisions will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Note: This summary outlines the substantive revisions proposed to the Idaho Special Education Manual and is intended to guide readers to the redline version for more detailed information on each proposed change. Please note that errata corrections are not included in this summary.
Note: The only revision included in the temporary rule request is located on page 42 and pertains to Specific Learning Disability (SLD). If approved, this change will take effect following the August meeting of the State Board of Education.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This guidance document outlines the Manifestation Determination process as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
This guidance document outlines the requirements for providing free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities who have been expelled from school by Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
This document provides guidance on the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for students enrolled in juvenile detention centers.
In 2024 the Idaho Legislature passed a bill addressing Restraint and Seclusion in Idaho schools. The Idaho Department of Education has produced the following resource to assist school districts in the implementation of this legislation.
During the 2025 legislative session Idaho Code 33-205 was amended by House Bill (HB) 236 to further address grounds for the denial of enrollment or expulsion of a student from an Idaho public school. The Idaho Department of Education has produced the following resource to assist school districts in the implementation of this legislation.
Idaho House Bill (HB) 93, which provides a parental choice tax credit for education, was passed by the Idaho legislature during the 2025 session and was signed into law by the Governor. The Idaho Department of Education has produced the following resource to assist school districts in the implementation of this legislation.
RESOURCES
