See Below: TIPS, IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS FOR UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS AN IEP PLAN FOR CHILDREN
What is an IEP, Individualized Education Program, for Students from K-12 in the Public Education System
What is an IEP? Does my child need one? An IEP Plan, an Individualized
Education Program, is designed to provide individualized support for children
that may be struggling in specific areas in school. Students who are academically
gifted may also have an IEP for their areas of strength.
IEPs are legal documents to include various areas of specialized services. IEPs
are provided for K-12 students in the public school education system.
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Does my Struggling Child need an IEP Plan?
Several years ago, I gained legal custody of my two grandchildren. At that time, my grandson, who was diagnosed with being on the autism spectrum, had an IEP plan in place. However, both he and his younger sister were struggling in school.
I reached out to the school administration to inquire about help and support for her. I was given information about having her evaluated and if needed, getting an IEP plan in place for her.
After she fully completed her evaluation process, I met with teachers, counselors, and special education staff, and an IEP plan was established for her throughout her years in school.
Understanding an IEP Plan
Services, such as IEPs are generated through the school district’s Special Education Department. A Special Education Case Manager or Special Education staff is assigned to students who need an IEP. These documents are established for students needing additional support or focus in specific academic areas.
The IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, is the law that allows students to get the necessary services needed to advance academic achievements. Having an IEP plan does not mean your child is disabled.
Children with IEPs may process information differently than other students. Therefore, having an IEP can allow the school to modify your child’s curriculum in areas they may be struggling.
Students with an IEP are typically in the same classroom as other children. The goal for students with an IEP is to remain in a general education class with an LRE, the least restrictive environment.
The classroom may include a support teacher for extra attention. However, students with an IEP typically have a Case Manager or a Support Staff person to track the student’s progress and ensure all areas of the IEP are being followed.
IEPs are established to benefit students and families in advancing your child’s opportunity to learn within their own skill set. IEPs protect the student, schools, and families. Also, students, parents, or guardians are included in the decisions noted in the final IEP document.
What is an IEP Plan and What Does it Include?
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- The Individualized Education Program, IEP, is a written document that includes student information, age, grade and address along with the parent or guardian’s name and address.
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- The IEP document notes the names of all the teachers or counselors and their roles who are attending the IEP meeting.
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- The document also includes Procedural Safeguard Notice and Medical Assistance Program Billing information for services that may be requested through the state for special services. A checklist is included for any special needs or considerations such as visual or hearing deficiencies, assistive technology devices, or English as a second language.
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- The IEP document also includes present levels of academic achievement and functional performance as well as any past levels of academic achievement.
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- The information added to an IEP will depend on how long your child has had an IEP in the school district. Information from previous school years remain in the students’ IEP throughout their school years. Past information is used to compare testing scores from year to year. For additional information go to Significant Challenges Faced by Students in School.
IEP Support Ideas for Parents & Guardians
Parent/Guardian Evaluation/Re-Evaluation Input Form
Parents often inquire about what an IEP plan is and the process involved in obtaining one.
Before an IEP is generated, the school district will ask parents or guardians to complete an Evaluation input form. The form is an in-depth questionnaire about your child. The school district will also have teachers who have worked with the student complete a questionnaire.
Parents’ or guardians’ input is also included added and summarized in an Evaluation Report. The feedback from the Evaluation Report is added to the student’s IEP notes.
Prior to an annual IEP meeting, parents or guardians are asked to complete another Re-Evaluation Report. Additional information from parents or guardians is added to the IEP notes.
Information for the Evaluation reports is extremely helpful to identify your child’s strengths, challenges, health concerns, etc.
It is very important to be open and honest when completing your child’s Evaluation or Re-Evaluation Report.
What Academic Information is included in an IEP?
State Tests Scores are documented in all IEP’s
Typically, the IEP document will include results for Reading & Math levels along with State testing scores. Most testing scores and assessments are broken down into specific categories to provide details on your child’s level of growth and development.
The IEP will also note your child’s Annual Goals established by their teachers, their Case Manager, parent or guardians as well as the student. These goals are given measurable values for the student to work toward.
The Case Manager and teachers monitor and assess IEP goals throughout the year. Each goal is noted with specific details and evaluated after each marking period. Adjustments may be made to the IEP throughout the school with input from a parent or guardian, case manager or teacher.
Also, the IEP contains Program Modifications & SDIs, Specially Designed Instructions. SDIs include very specific instructions designed only for your student. For example, an SDI may state, “may need a verbal or nonverbal cue to begin a task”. Other SDIs may include, “small group instruction for math computation skills”, “assistance of calculator when solving math problems”.
The number of SDIs noted in an IEP are determined for the individual student. Some students may have only a few, while others may have more. (My grandchild has 18 SDIs noted in her current IEP)
Keep in mind, some SDIs are very simple such as “to remain on task, seating should be close to the teacher” to “chunking information or directions for clarification.” Again, all SDIs must be agreed upon by the parent/guardian and student before being added to the final IEP.
ESY, Extended School Year
Shortened Summer Programs for Students with IEP’s
At the end of an IEP meeting, the educational team will inform you if your student is eligible for ESY, the Extended School Year, or Summer Program. Although many students and parents believe this is a negative reflection on the school or student; ESY is an advantage for your student to complete required summer assignments.
Going to ESY for a few hours in the summer will also allow your child to become familiar with the upcoming coursework. Furthermore, ESY can be a positive option to prepare your student for the next school year.
Parents or guardians should not be opposed to ESY opportunities without understanding the benefits the program has to offer their children. If you aren’t sure of the exact details of the ESY program check with your child’s counselor or Case Manager.
At the end of the IEP Plan meeting, parents or guardians will sign the NOREP, which is the Notice of Recommended Educational Placement. These forms are to notify the Local Education Agency, LEA, of the recommended actions that were discussed during the IEP meeting.
The NOREP will note the actions proposed and the considered options for the student. It will also include a summary of what was discussed during the IEP meeting along with new data.
Parental or guardian consent and signatures are needed to submit to the school district. A copy of the finalized IEP is sent to parents or guardian for their child’s record.
For more details go to the US Department of Education.
Benefits of an IEP Plan
I have found great benefits with my grandchildren having an IEP Plan. Having specific strategies and specially designed instructions for your child and your child only allows teachers and administrators to help your child stay on their academic track.
Also, having a Case Manager to oversee your child’s IEP plan gives parents and guardians direct contact to discuss concerns or successes about your child’s academic performance.
If your child is struggling in school, having an IEP plan in place may help them develop better skills and boost their productivity in the classroom.
To answer questions or concerns about IEP Plans, reach out to your child’s school’s administration for more details.
This post may include affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. For full disclosure read here.
TIPS, IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS FOR UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS AN IEP PLAN FOR CHILDREN
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- If you feel your child is academically struggling in school, meet with their teacher to discuss the possibility of establishing an IEP.
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- Gifted students also have IEP written for specific areas of learning.
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- If you feel your child is academically struggling in school, meet with their teacher to discuss the possibility of establishing an IEP.
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- IEP Plans are designed specifically for your child’s learning challenges. All aspects of an IEP are written and determined by your child’s unique needs.
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- IEP Plans support your child throughout their school years or as long as needed. However, IEP Plans are generally modified annually as the child progresses through grade levels.
