GoIDEA vs IEPWriter

GoIDEA is web-based IEP software for school districts managing special education programs. It provides configurable templates, workflows, and reports so districts can adapt the system to their own requirements. Core tools include staff email notifications, progress-monitoring graphs, class lists, progress-report summaries, evaluation reports, and student transfers between GoIDEA districts. Parents or guardians can receive documents for electronic signature, including separate copies for households that need to sign independently. Secure parent portals let families view finalized IEP documents, receive meeting invitations, and sign forms digitally. Add-on modules cover Section 504 management, staff projections, RTI/PBIS tracking, and English Learners. GoIDEA connects with a district Student Information System and integrates with GoClaim for Medicaid billing workflows. The maker describes encryption, secure authentication, and access controls, and says it handles records under FERPA and HIPAA. Onboarding follows a 12-step process that typically takes 2–3 weeks. Pricing is on request.

IEPWriter is a web-based special education document system for local education agencies. It lets LEAs create IEPs, evaluation reports, behavioral improvement plans, letters, and other documents. Available modules include Children Count/IDEA, PIMS, Section 504, Progress Monitoring, and STaR options for LEAs and intermediate units. Children Count offers over 30 standard reports and a built-in custom reporting option. Progress Monitoring collects and analyzes student goal progress and can display it in graphs for reports. STaR lets service providers track student and other activity time from a web-enabled device, review the last 30 days of logs, and export billing data for MA-eligible students. A subscription-based SIS Bridge syncs information with district student information systems; interoperability depends on the SIS and the data required. The maker says browser-to-site communication is encrypted with TLS and data is backed up daily. The application requires high-speed internet and a current common browser. Tablet and iPad browsers are supported, though some features may be limited by the device. Pricing is available by contacting Leader Services.