Introduction
To the extent appropriate, and with the consent of the parent or adult student, a local education agency (LEA) must invite a representative of any outside agency likely to be responsible for providing or paying for transition services. Use form I-1-A to obtain parental consent to invite a representative of such an agency to the IEP team meeting, where information about the student will be disclosed. The consent requirement specifically addresses the disclosure of confidential information to transition agency representatives at IEP team meetings. 34 CFR § 300.321(b)(3).
Implementation Considerations
Before sending the invitation to the IEP team meeting (form I-1), the LEA must obtain parent or adult student consent to invite an outside agency representative. It is a good practice to discuss attendance of an outside agency representative with the parents or the adult student prior to requesting written consent. Information and materials for collaborating with outside agencies are available at the Department’s transition webpage and at the Wisconsin Transition Improvement Grant website.
Obtaining parent or adult student consent on this form only allows the disclosure of information to an outside agency representative at an IEP meeting to discuss post-high school goals and transition services needed to achieve the goals. It does not permit the disclosure of information to an agency representative under other circumstances. For example, if the LEA wishes to disclose information about a student to an agency following a disciplinary removal from school, the LEA must obtain a separate consent from the parent or adult student for this purpose. The LEA may disclose personally identifiable information about a student under three circumstances: (1) with the written consent of the parent, guardian or adult student; (2) pursuant to a court order; and (3) by authority of statute. For additional information about confidentiality, review the publication, “Student Records and Confidentiality” on the Department’s website.
Because form I-1-A provides authority only to disclose information at an IEP team meeting where transition is considered, some LEAs have modified their general consent forms for release of records or information to include consent for inviting an agency representative to IEP team meetings. A consent form for release of records must identify the records, information or data that may be disclosed, the purpose of the disclosure, and the parties or class of parties to whom the disclosure may be made. The Department recommends the form include the effective period of the consent, e.g., 9/1/2025 through 8/31/2026, and the effective period be no more than one year. If consent is needed for longer than one year, a new consent should be obtained.
Form Content and Explanations
Content: Participating outside agency representative. Explanation: Enter the name of the agency representative, if known, who will be invited to the IEP meeting. If the name of an agency representative is not known, identify the individual’s title or position, for example, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) counselor. 34 CFR § 300.321(b)(3).
Content: Parent or adult student consent. Explanation: The parent or adult student checks the appropriate box, signs, dates, and returns Form I-1-A to the LEA. 34 CFR § 300.321(b)(3).
Content: Parents have the right to a copy of the procedural safeguards and to contact other sources for assistance about understanding their rights. Explanation: If consent is not obtained, the LEA cannot invite an outside agency representative. The LEA is not required to provide the parents with a copy of the complete procedural safeguards notice if the LEA previously provided the parents with a copy of the procedural safeguards in the current school year. However, if the parents request another copy, the LEA must provide it. Other sources parents can contact to obtain information and assistance in understanding IDEA and state special education law are identified. 34 CFR §§ 300.503 and 300.504; Wis. Stat. § 115.792.