An Individualized Education Program (IEP) includes several key components required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IEP is a legally binding document, and schools must follow it to ensure the student receives the appropriate support for their education. There are a lot of components to an IEP! SES will look at the typical contents of an IEP…
THE IEP CONTENTS
THE CONTENTS OF AN IEP
PRESENT LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE
Describes how the student is currently performing in school. Includes strengths, preferences, and interest. Also included are academic and functional skills, communication development, gross motor and fine motor skills, vocational skills, social, emotional and behavioral, and adaptive daily living skills. Health is also discussed here. All information is based on teacher observations, standardized tests, and evaluations.
ANNUAL GOALS
Measurable academic and functional goals tailored to the student’s needs. Includes short-term objectives.
PROGRESS REPORTS ON GOALS
A description of student’s progress toward meeting the annual goals.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES - OFFER OF FAPE
Lists the special education instruction, related services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy), and accommodations the student will receive. May include behavioral supports or assistive technology if needed.
EDUCATIONAL SETTING - OFFER OF FAPE
Refers to the learning environment where the student will receive their education and special education services. It describes the amount of time the student will spend in general education versus special education settings, based on their needs.
INFORMATION/ELIGIBILITY
Contains parent and student information such as birthdate, disability codes, parent addresses and phone numbers, and more.
STATEWIDE ASSESSMENTS
Refers to the standardized tests that students are required to take as part of their state’s educational accountability system. These assessments measure student achievement in subjects like reading, math, and science.
EXCUSAL
Refers to the process of allowing a required member of the IEP team to be absent from an IEP meeting under certain conditions. This is permitted under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) but must follow specific guidelines.
PARENT CONSENT
This is where parents agree to (or disagree to) and sign off on the IEP. The signature page is also where the entire IEP Team sign as well.
NOTES
The notes page is the section used to document important discussions, decisions, and additional details that may not fit into the standard IEP sections. It serves as a record of communication between the IEP team members and helps provide context for the decisions made.