The Individualized Education Program (IEP)
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written education
program designed for a specific student who needs specialized
instruction provided under special education. In other words,
it is a statement of needs and the school's plan for meeting those
needs. The IEP is developed at the Pupil Evaluation Team (PET)
meeting where decisions about the educational program are made
through consensus.
The IEP is written during the PET Meeting, not before, so that
everyone is included in the discussion. Any members of the PET
may prepare a draft IEP or draft goals and objectives to share
with those present at the PET meeting. However, all members of
the PET must have an opportunity to discuss all aspects of the
IEP and to participate in the final decisions about what will
be included in the official IEP.
Once the IEP is completed, it is considered a legal document.
All the goals and objectives, supportive services, individual
modifications and accommodations, etc. discussed and agreed upon
at the PET must be included. The IEP then becomes the working
document that guides the delivery of services. PET minutes and
other notes do not have the same legal status as the IEP.
| “Once a student
has been identified as a student with a disability,
the education deemed appropriate for him/her must be
defined in a written Individualized Education Program
(IEP). The IEP is the basis for educational programming
and placement of the student with a disability and must
be linked to the general education curriculum. It is
not a guarantee of a student’s educational progress
or a contractual arrangement but does provide a statement
of educational goals and objectives which all school
personnel shall make good faith efforts to achieve.”
(MSER, Chapter 101, Section 10.1, p. 52-53) |
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