The Individualized Education Program (IEP)

The IEP is the document that outlines the program created for a student who qualifies for special services. There are several important sections to this document, but it must include current information regarding the student's disability, services, goals for the coming year, and the most recent evaluation information. The IEP document must be reviewed and revised no less than once a year. 

Present Levels and Academic and Functional Performance:

This section documents the reason for special services, how the students' disability affects his or her performance in the classroom, and other relevant information that may provide a helpful background when understanding and providing services to this child. It includes information regarding the strengths of the child, the concerns of the parent/guardian for the child, progress made since the last IEP was created, the most recent evaluation results, and any relevant informal assessment information. It is also the place for documentation regarding state-wide/federal testing.

Annual Goals and Short Term Objectives:

These goals are what determines the curriculum for the individualized educational program. The team should take into account the areas identified in the evaluation as areas of concern and the general education curriculum expectations. Each goal should be broken down into measurable objectives. Each goal should also be specific, measurable, relevant to the area of need, attainable, and time-bound.

Types of Services:

This section will list all the services that the student receives, including related services such as occupational, speech, and physical therapy. It will also list whether the student is eligible for extended year services (ESY) and the percentage of time the student will be inside and outside the regular classroom environment. This is important for determining what the least restrictive environment of the child is. Students placed in special education should always be placed in a way that affords them the most time possible with their general education peers (the least restrictive environment).