Read this article if you want to learn…
- What is an IEP plan?
- How do I know if my child is eligible for an IEP plan?
- As a parent, what is my role in my child’s IEP plan?
At A Glace:
Individualized Education Program (IEP) plans give direction to how a student receives special education supports and services. A student must qualify for an IEP plan. IEPs include specific and measurable goals. Parents are an important part of the IEP team and have several rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Plan?
According to the U.S. Department of Education, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an educational plan that “guides the delivery of special education supports and services for a student with a disability.” A student must meet eligibility criteria defined by state and federal regulations, and evaluated by the school district, to qualify for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and receive an IEP. This almost always includes educational performance testing, a review of academic data, and information from the child’s teacher and school personnel. The child’s parents’ input is also valuable when determining eligibility and creating the IEP plan.
Every school is a little different in the way they write and implement IEPs, however, all public schools must comply with a special education law called IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and The IEP should be designed to provide the child with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
Qualifying for an IEP
Before evaluating a student for ESE, schools typically use a framework called MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) to provide targeted interventions and monitor progress. This can include strategies like small-group instruction, reteaching skills, or individualized academic or behavioral support. The data collected through MTSS can help determine whether a student may need additional support through special education services and an IEP.
Students who continue to fall significantly below grade level, low-performance scores in different school activities, even with extra support, should be considered for special education programs. ESE services are also available to students needing emotional/behavioral, health, speech/language, or related services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc). Some students receive support under multiple ESE programs based on specific student needs.
Initiating an IEP Plan
Often, the school will recommend that a student be evaluated for special education services. However, if this isn’t the case, parents can request that the school evaluate a student for ESE. A guardian also must give permission to school staff and authorities for an evaluation to be conducted. This evaluation aims to provide more information about a child’s disability, strengths, and areas of growth. Parents will be invited to review the results and have a conversation about eligibility once the evaluation is complete.
If a child qualifies, parents can give permission for special education services to be initiated. Keep in mind, there are certain “exclusionary factors,” such as attendance issues, vision or hearing problems, etc. that must be addressed before an IEP process begins. Parents can also ask for reevaluation if the result seems wrong.
How does an IEP Plan support my child?
Just like your child’s needs, IEP plans are individualized. The plans should include specific, actionable, and measurable annual goals. Good IEP goals take into consideration where students are in their learning, grade-level expectations, and what would be real growth over a school year. Goals can be academic, speech/language based, behavioral, social emotional, etc.
Unlike 504s, which provide accommodations within the regular teaching and learning system, IEPs often arrange for services provided by special education teachers, school psychologists, and specialists. For example, you might see an ESE Teacher, Speech Language Pathologist, or Occupational Therapist on a child’s IEP Team. IEP modifications vary for every student and may look like:
- Classroom and test accommodations, such as extra time, breaks as needed, and testing in a small group setting with fewer distractions
- An IEP team member going into the classroom to provide support
- An IEP team member pulling students out of class
- Receiving services in a separate ESE classroom altogether
Tips for Parents
There are many different acronyms and procedures unique to education, and every school is a little different – this can be overwhelming for parents to navigate! Here are a few tips to help you form a strong partnership with your child’s school and continue being their biggest advocate.
- Communication is key. Reach out to your child’s teacher or counselor to find out how your child’s school provides extra support to students in special need.
- Write down your questions and bring them up during IEP meetings (or whenever you want to!). Examples include: What has been tried? Is the plan working? What’s the next step?
- Know your parental rights under IDEA and practice them!
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