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Individualized Education Program (IEP)

 

 

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

IEPs (Individualized Educational Programs) are educational plans developed by a team of caregivers, teachers, administrators, and any other special education service providers. Students who may have a disability in one of the following areas may qualify for an IEP:

  • Autism
  • Deafness
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Multiple Disabilities
  • Other Health Impairment
  • Speech of Language Impairment
  • Visual Impairment
  • Deaf/Blind
  • Emotional Disability
  • Intellectual Disability 
  • Orthopedic Impairment
  • Specific Learning Disability
  • Traumatic Brain Injury

 

 

 

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The IEP Process

Teacher observations, parent concerns, standardized assessments, or medical diagnoses can help identify if a referral is needed. Once a potential need is identified, a referral is made to the school's special education department or committee.

Flow chart of the IEP process

Infographic courtesy of Alameda Unified School District

  • Teacher observations, parent concerns, standardized assessments, or medical diagnoses can help identify if a referral is needed. Once a potential need is identified, a referral is made to the school's special education department or committee.

  • A comprehensive evaluation is conducted to assess the student's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the nature and extent of their disability. The evaluation may include assessments by psychologists, educators, speech therapists, and other relevant professionals.

  • The IEP team reviews the results of the evaluation and determines the student’s eligibility for Special Education Services.

  • The IEP team collaborates to develop an individualized education plan tailored to the student's specific needs. The team reviews the evaluation results and considers the student's strengths, weaknesses, academic goals, social-emotional needs, and any accommodations necessary for the student to access the curriculum.

  • The team determines the most appropriate educational placement for the student to receive the services. Placement options may include general education classrooms with support services, special education classrooms, resource rooms, or separate schools specializing in serving students with disabilities.

  • The final step involves implementing the IEP and regularly monitoring the student's progress toward the goals outlined in the plan. Teachers and service providers work collaboratively to deliver the specialized instruction, accommodations, and related services specified in the IEP.