What is in an IEP?



Think of the IEP as the guidelines the school will follow as it relates to the child receiving special education services.


What does IEP mean?

IEP means Individualized Education Program. The word individualized is very important. The IEP should reflect your child who is receiving Special Education services. It should include things such as the impact of the disability, their current level or performance, support needed action steps (goals), etc.

IDEA requires that an IEP contains at least eight components; however, state and local agencies may have additional requirements.

Examples of the eight components are

  1. The present level of academic and functional performance

  2. Measurable annual goals

  3. How the student will participate in state & district testing

  4. Dates locations and duration of services

  5. The extent of participation with nondisabled students in general education

  6. How to measure progress

  7. Related special education services

  8. Transition service needs etc.

Your child begins their path to Special education services when they begin the evaluation process. This process can be parent/guardian initiated or teacher-initiated but as the parent/guardian you must give consent to an evaluation.

Who attends IEP Meetings?

IEP Team members are key. Read more about who qualifies as an IEP Team Member here

*Source: Billingsley, B., Boscardin, M. L., & Crockett, J. B. (2019). Handbook of Leadership and Administration for Special Education (2nd ed.). Routledge.


Here’s a gov’t resource with additional info: A Guide to the IEP



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