Illinois updates special education IEP forms for 2026

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) — The Illinois State Board of Education has released updated Individualized Education Program, or IEP, forms for 2026, along with guidance outlining changes affecting students with disabilities and their families.

According to the state board, the updates include revisions to several special education forms used during the IEP process.

Among the changes:

• The Conference Summary Report now includes updated terminology and requirements related to the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) program and Illinois ABLE accounts.
• The Secondary Transition form includes a new checkbox for IEP teams to document discussions about a student’s graduation status and the effects of graduating from high school.
• The Parent/Guardian Notification of Conference forms now inform parents of their right to invite individuals with knowledge or special expertise, including advocates, to IEP meetings.
• The Procedural Safeguards document has been updated to reflect current legal requirements, clarify procedures, revise information about Educational Surrogate Parents and improve readability.

The Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center said the updates are intended to help parents, guardians and others who support students with disabilities better understand the IEP process and prepare for meetings.

The Illinois State Board of Education has posted the updated forms and an explanation of the changes on its website.