Which trio of components must be included in every IEP to comply with IDEA?

• A. Attendance records, lunch preferences, and bus schedule.
• B. Current level of academic and functional performance, annual measurable goals with criteria, and the services and accommodations the student will receive.
• C. Standardized test scores only.
• D. Student's favorite subjects, parent income, and teacher's qualifications.

Answer: (B)

The essential elements addressed in an IEP connect a student’s current performance to specific targets and the supports needed to reach them. The present levels of academic achievement and functional performance explain where the student is right now. The measurable annual goals with criteria set clear, trackable targets and describe how progress toward those targets will be determined. The services and accommodations outline the specific supports, specialized instruction, and modifications the school will provide to help the student achieve the goals.

Together, these three pieces create a concrete plan: they show the starting point, define what success looks like within a year, and specify how the school will enable that progress. Other options include items that aren’t part of the required trio, such as general preferences or unrelated data, or pieces that don’t specify goals and supports.