- What is an IEP?
An IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. It’s a written plan developed for students with disabilities who are in need of special education services. An IEP guarantees that eligible children receive individualized services and commits resources on behalf of the child. The IEP also serves to monitor the delivery of individualized services and to evaluate their effectiveness. Finally, the IEP provides an opportunity for the parent to be involved in their child’s school services and creates an avenue for advocacy and resolving disagreements between the parent and the school. - Who is Eligible for an IEP?
To be eligible for an IEP, a child must meet both requirements: (1) They must be identified as having a disability, and (2) They must need special education services or related services. If a child has a disability, but does not need special education services, then they may not be eligible for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).IDEA includes the following 13 categories of disabilities which may qualify a child for an IEP: autism, deaf-blindess, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment.To determine eligibility, the school will conduct a thorough evaluation that may include input from teachers, specialists, and other professionals who work with your child. This evaluation is used to determine if your child is identified as having a disability and if they require specialized instruction. - How is an IEP Developed?
The development of an IEP is a team effort. Under IDEA law, the IEP team must consist of at least one special educator, at least one general education teacher (if the child is participating in the general education environment), the parents, a representative from the location education agency, an individual who can interpret the instructional implications of the evaluation results (often a school psychologist), and anyone else who has expertise regarding the child at the discretion of the parent. The IEP is developed by a team of people who work closely with your child, including:The IEP team meets at least annually to discuss your child’s needs, review evaluation results, and review progress made on the IEP and necessary changes to the IEP. As a parent, you have the right to ask questions, suggest changes, and be an active participant in the process! - Your Role as a Parent
IDEA law states that one or both parents must be invited to attend each IEP meeting, and the meeting MUST be held at a mutually agreeable time for both the parents and school personnel.Parents MUST be provided with a copy of their child’s IEP at no cost.Schools MUST make sure that parents understand what is happening at the IEP meeting.Schools MUST provide parents with a copy of the basic due process safeguards under IDEA at least annually. These safeguards explain the parent’s rights and responsibilities and while this is not an exhaustive list, those rights include: (1) Parents have the right to receive prior written notice before the school changes the child’s identification, evaluation, educational placement or provision of a free and appropriate public education, (2) The parent has a right to withhold consent; (3) The parent has a right to access their child’s educational records at all times; (4) The parent has a right to obtain an independent educational evaluation of their child; (5) The parent has a right to mediation to resolve disputes with the school at no charge; (6)The parent has the right to present and resolve complaints through legal proceedings and to appeal rulings to a state or federal court.As a parent, you are a key player in the development of the IEP. It’s important to stay involved and advocate for your child’s needs. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification on any aspect of the IEP. If you don’t understand something, it’s important to ask. The IEP should include measurable goals, and it’s important to track how well your child is doing. Regular meetings with the IEP team can help assess progress and make adjustments if needed. Be a strong advocate: Your child’s education is personal. Don’t hesitate to speak up if you feel that your child’s needs aren’t being met. - Key Components of an IEP
IDEA law specifies what components are required as part of an IEP, including:- Present levels of academic achievement and functional performance
- A statement of how the child’s disability affects the child’s involvement and progress in the general education curriculum
- Measurable annual goals that are individualized for the child
- How the child’s progress towards meeting annual goals will be measured and when progress reports will be provided
- A statement of the specific special education and related services, supplementary aids and services, and the program modifications or supports school personnel must make to help the child achieve their annual goals, progress in the general education curriculum, participate in extracurricular or nonacademic activities, and participate with children without disabilities.
- An explanation of the extent to which the child will not be participating in the regular class and in extracurricular and nonacademic activities with children who do not have disabilities.
- A statement of the individual accommodations that are needed to measure the child’s academic achievement and performance on state and districtwide evaluations
- The anticipated frequency, duration, and location of the specialized services and modifications.
- A plan for transition to postsecondary school life by the time the child reaches the age of 16. An IEP is more than just a document—it’s a comprehensive plan that includes several critical elements.
Citations:
U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/ideafactsheet.html
Huefner, D. S., & Herr, C. M. (2012). Navigating special education law and policy. IEP Resources.
