Which item is not a standard element of an IEP?

• A. Measurable annual goals
• B. Present levels of performance
• C. Related services
• D. Student's hair color

Answer: (D)

Understanding what goes into an IEP is key. An IEP is a plan that documents a student’s current performance, sets measurable annual goals, and specifies the supports and services the student will receive to work toward those goals. It also describes how progress will be monitored and what accommodations or related services are provided.

The elements that are included in an IEP—present levels of performance, measurable annual goals, and related services—are all about guiding and supporting the student’s education. Present levels describe where the student currently stands academically and functionally. Measurable annual goals provide targets for what the student should achieve in a year. Related services are the supports (like speech therapy, OT, transportation) that help the student access the curriculum and work toward those goals.

Information like the student’s hair color, on the other hand, does not inform education goals, services, or progress in the IEP. It isn’t used to plan supports or measure progress, so it isn’t a standard element of an IEP.