An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a document that is developed for each U.S. public school child who qualifies for special education. The IEP is created through a collaborative team effort and designed to meet unique educational needs. It stands at the core of each student’s educational framework under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Key components of an IEP include:
Current Performance: The IEP outlines the student's current academic and functional performance, providing a baseline for developing educational goals.
Annual Goals: These are specific, measurable educational goals set for the child for one school year, tailored to the child’s needs that result from the disability.
Special Education and Related Services: The IEP details the specific special education and related services that will be provided to the child, including how often these services will be provided and their duration.
Participation with Non-Disabled Children: The IEP describes the extent to which the child will not participate with non-disabled children in the regular class and other school activities.
Accommodations and Modifications: It includes any changes in the learning environment or instructional techniques that help the child learn.
Measurement of Progress: The IEP outlines how the child’s progress toward the annual goals will be measured and how the child’s parents will be informed of this progress.
Transition Services: For older students, the IEP includes transition planning and services to help the student move from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, and employment.
The IEP process is designed to ensure that each student receives an education that is tailored to their individual needs and promotes effective progress in the educational environment.
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