What Is an IEP?

For those who are new to the special education process, understanding what an IEP is and why it is important can take a bit of time… some research, and sometimes a little bit of deciphering.

There are a lot of acronyms in special education and unless you are using the terminology as part of your everyday vocabulary, it can be easy to forget what something means or need clarification. For parents, those acronyms are even more confusing and it is not uncommon to have families ask, “What is an IEP?”

As special educators, it is our responsibility to help families understand what it is and why it is a vital part of their child’s education.

What Does IEP Mean?

IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. Any time that a child enters into special education to receive services, they must have an IEP. This legal document describes how the school will help your child improve his or her skills to be successful in and out of the classroom (think: further education, employment, and independent living).

Keep this free What is an IEP? brochure in your IEP binder to hand out to parents and caregivers as needed or requested. Download for free here.

What is in an IEP?

There are many different formats to IEPs, but at the core – all IEPs hold the same information and value. You will find everything from evaluation reports to present levels of learning to academic goals to accommodations and modifications. All of those things help to make up the program that is individualized for your child’s success. By law, an IEP must include:

• Present levels and current performance – this describes how the child is doing right now.
• Annual goals – year-long measurable goals that the student can reasonably accomplish. Those goals are broken down into objectives or benchmarks so that progress can be monitored throughout the duration of the IEP.

• Services provided – this section of the IEP talks about the special education services that the child will receive. Any related services will also be put into this section.
• Participation in the general education setting – this section will describe the amount of time that the student will be present in the general ed classroom and not receiving special education services.
• Information about testing – the IEP will also address how, where, and if the student will participate in state and district testing.
• When and where services will occur – the days and locations of special ed services will also be included in the IEP so that it is very clearly laid out as to how often the student will be receiving services.
• Transition services – when a child reaches 14 years old, the IEP must begin to include any courses the student should take to prepare for transitioning out of high school. Once he reaches 16 years old, language about the need for and any transition services that will be provided is included. These are services that he will need to successfully navigate life beyond high school graduation.
•  Progress measurement – the IEP will also state how and how often progress towards the goals will be measured and reported.

Here are 25 myths and facts about IEPs.

Is an IEP a Legal Document?

Yes, according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) an IEP is a formal, legal document that must be followed by the school and district. It is enforceable and should be planned, written, and executed with care and consistency.

Do Parents Have a Say in the IEP?

By law, parents are part of the IEP team and have a say in what goes in the document. You can disagree, have it re-written, and discuss the contents without repercussions or fear that the child will not receive services.

As the parent, you have protections under the IDEA law. To learn more about what those are and your rights, you’ll want to Google or ask the school for a copy of your state’s Procedural Safeguards. This document also outlines your child’s rights under the IDEA laws and regulations.

• The Procedural Safeguards will come in handy if you ever feel like the IEP is not being followed or you and your IEP team have a disagreement.

As a vital part of the IEP team, you’ll want to make sure you are prepared for the upcoming IEP meeting. You should be included throughout the entire IEP process, and if at any time you feel overwhelmed, have questions, or notice any red flags – please reach out to your child’s teacher or administrator. They are there to help you feel prepared and ready to collaborate.

By understanding what an IEP is and why it is important, families can better advocate for their children and help them get the services and accommodations that they need to be successful in school.

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