Individual Education Plan
What is it? Why does it matter?
The IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students (when appropriate) to work together to improve educational results for children with disabilities. The IEP is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability
Every child who receives special education services must have an IEP. That’s why the process of developing this vital document is of great interest and importance to educators, administrators, and families alike.
Each child’s IEP must contain specific information, as listed within IDEA, our nation’s special education law. This includes (but is not limited to):
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the child’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, describing how the child is currently doing in school and how the child’s disability affects his or her involvement and progress in the general curriculum
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annual goals for the child, meaning what parents and the school team think he or she can reasonably accomplish in a year
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the special education and related services to be provided to the child, including supplementary aids and services (such as a communication device) and changes to the program or supports for school personnel
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how much of the school day the child will be educated separately from nondisabled children or not participate in extracurricular or other nonacademic activities such as lunch or clubs
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how (and if) the child is to participate in state and district-wide assessments, including what modifications to tests the child needs
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when services and modifications will begin, how often they will be provided, where they will be provided, and how long they will last
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how school personnel will measure the child’s progress toward the annual goals.
Requirements & Forms
IEP Writers are required by law to follow strict guidelines for the following topics:
Free & Appropriate Public Education
Child Find
Evaluation & Eligibility Individualized Education Program
Least Restrictive Environment Discontinuation of Service
Graduation & Grading Charter Schools Private School Students
Improving Results Procedural Safeguards
Discipline
Dispute Resolution
Idaho IEP Forms:
Additional forms provided by schools
Comparison of Different Education Plans
Individualized Distance Learning Plan
Functional Behavior Assessment
Idaho Special Education Manual
Department of Education IEP Guide
Dispute Information & Forms:
Contacts & Advocate Groups
