Creating Defensible IEPs in the Age of AI
Updated on: September 30, 2026
Published on: September 30, 2026
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how educators approach administrative tasks, documentation, and instructional planning. For special education leaders, AI presents an opportunity to support the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), improve efficiency, and reduce administrative burden. However, districts must balance innovation with compliance, privacy, and accountability. While AI can help draft content, organize information, and strengthen documentation, it cannot replace the expertise and professional judgment required to create individualized, legally defensible IEPs. Responsibility for protecting student data, ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and making educational decisions will always remain with the IEP team.
In Defensible IEPs in the Age of AI, Public Consulting Group’s (PCG) special education experts explore how districts can leverage AI while maintaining compliance, protecting student privacy, and keeping educators at the center of decision-making. The eBook provides practical guidance, implementation considerations, and a comprehensive checklist to support ethical and effective AI use in IEP development.
About the Authors
Dr. Jennifer Baribeau
Dr. Jennifer Baribeau is a Senior Managing Education Advisor at PCG with more than 12 years of experience leading special education program reviews, strategic improvement initiatives, and technology implementation for districts and states.
Dr. Angeline Williams-Jackson
Dr. Angeline Williams-Jackson is a Senior Lead Advisor at PCG with more than 20 years of experience leading special education reviews, audits, IEP quality assessments, and systems-improvement efforts focused on equity, inclusion, compliance, and sustainable change.
Jacob Klett
Jacob Klett is an Advisor at PCG with more than 17 years of experience strengthening special education systems, policy, compliance, operations, instructional practice, and student outcomes.
Dr. Jennifer Meller
Dr. Jennifer Meller is a manager at PCG who leads national program evaluations and technical assistance focused on staffing, compliance, finance, stakeholder engagement, data use, and instructional practices for students with disabilities.
Hannah Standford
Hannah Standford is a Consultant on PCG’s Special Education Consulting team with 10 years of experience in strategic planning, compliance, due process, instructional effectiveness, stakeholder communication, data analysis, and operational efficiency.