What is an IEP?
An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a specialized plan designed to meet the unique educational needs of a child with one or more disabilities. It is a legal document. That means, with the exception of the Parent Concerns, the Vision Statement, and the Transition Planning Form, the Team is legally obligated to uphold everything written in it.
This document should be highly individualized and specific. It should pass the “stranger test,” meaning that if someone has never met your child or been to their school, they could read through the IEP and gain a strong understanding of who your child is and exactly what they need to be successful in school.
IEPs detail the support and services the school district will provide to enable a student with special needs to access the curriculum at their level. They should accurately represent your child’s strengths and challenges. IEPs provide students with measurable annual goals, accommodations, modified curriculum, and specialized instruction.
How can my child get an IEP?
To get an IEP, a student must first be evaluated, either by their school district or an outside organization. Parents can request a school-based evaluation at any time. Schools may offer evaluations if they notice a student is not making adequate progress.
Once a parent consents to a school-based evaluation, the district has 30 school days to conduct testing and an additional 15 school days to develop their reports and hold a meeting. At the meeting, the school will review the results of the testing with the family and determine whether the student needs support to make progress in school.
At the bare minimum, a school-based evaluation should include cognitive (e.g., IQ) testing and academic testing. However, if your child has known areas of weakness, such as reading or executive functioning skills, you can request additional testing that you feel adds to the school’s picture of your child’s struggles.
If a family secures an outside evaluation, such as a neuropsych, they can share this with the school district. The school must schedule a meeting within 10 school days of receiving that evaluation to review the child’s eligibility for special education services.
Who develops an IEP?
An IEP is developed by a Team. No one individual has exclusive decision-making power, and each Team member provides vital insight into your child’s needs. An IEP Team must include at least the student’s parents or guardians, a special education teacher, and a general education teacher. Related service providers (e.g., speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school adjustment counselors, etc.) must attend if the student has related services from these individuals or if they conducted evaluations.
Other Team members may be invited to the meeting as well. If there are any evaluations to review, the school psychologist will attend to help describe the results of the testing. Administrators including principals, team chairs, and even special education directors may attend so that decisions can be made quickly and effectively. They may also attend if a case is becoming contentious.
You may bring anyone you want to your child’s team meeting. I recommend bringing someone trusted with you to take notes so you can focus on the meeting as it is occurring. You may choose to bring an advocate or a lawyer with you if you feel the school district isn’t providing your child with the right support. If you plan to bring a lawyer, you must let the district know in advance, and they will invite their lawyer as well.
Parents and guardians are equal Team members in the IEP process. They are the experts on their child, and the knowledge they provide is invaluable. They have an equal say in decisions made about their child’s education. In fact, the new IEP is designed especially to help parents better understand what is being provided for their child.
The child is also a vital part of the IEP process. In the new IEP form, their vision is included right at the beginning, and the Team should do whatever they can to help this vision be realized to the maximum extent possible. Sometimes, a child’s vision isn’t realistic (e.g., “I want to be a dragon”), but it’s the team’s job to pull any elements they can from that vision (e.g., bravery, empowerment, etc.) and provide instruction and support to make it a reality.
As the child gets older, it is essential for them to attend at least part of their IEP meeting. When I was teaching, I’d frame it to them as a celebration of all their hard work. The ultimate goal is for the child to chair their own IEP meeting during their senior year.
What is in an IEP?
I’m going to do a deep dive into each component of the new IEP in future posts. For now, here’s a list of some of the key features of an IEP:
- Student and Parent Concerns
- Student and Team Vision
- Student Profile
- Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (Academics, Behavioral/Social/Emotional, Communication, and Additional Areas)
- Post-Secondary Transition Planning
- Accommodations and Modifications
- Measurable Annual Goals
- Service Delivery
- Transportation
- Schedule Modification
- Additional Information
- Placement
All of the information in these sections should be clear and accurate. They should thoroughly explain the hows of the IEP –how does the child’s disability affect their education, and how will they be supported to make effective progress?
Throughout the IEP process, don’t forget that you are an essential Team member. You know your child better than anyone, and it is your job to critically evaluate the school district’s proposal to make sure that your child is getting what they need and deserve.
If you need help, contact your local SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council), an advocate, or, in extreme cases, a lawyer. Talk to your friends and other parents. So many people around you have been through this process, and knowledge and transparency are key!
What has been most challenging about the IEP process for you? What do you want to understand better? Let me know in the comments! And please don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation!