What is an IEP?
The Individual Education Program (IEP) is a plan, or road map, developed by parents/guardians and school personnel to help make the student’s school journey a success. This yearly plan addresses instruction, goals, identifies services and supports, and includes ways to measure individual student progress.
The IEP Meeting
The focus of the IEP meeting is to determine what services, supports, and accommodations a student needs as well as to determine the best strategies or programming needed to meet the student’s particular needs. The team discusses the student’s strengths, as well as their weaknesses, and will determine what kinds of support and services are needed to bring about the best results. These decisions are made through a close look at the data and parent input captured in the Present Level section of the IEP. In addition, criteria are established for monitoring the student’s progress. It is important to remember that this plan is reviewed annually and adjusted according to a student’s individual needs. Parents/guardians always have the right to ask for updates on the student’s progress and request an IEP meeting regarding progress if there are concerns.
IDEA & Section 504
Students with disabilities are protected by federal laws that assure they receive a free and appropriate public education. Two of the most important laws are the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that authorizes special education for children with disabilities in the U.S. It also authorizes early intervention services to infants and preschoolers with disabilities.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that prohibits all federally funded programs and activities, whether they be public or private, from discriminating based on disabilities. This law applies to all public school districts.