Individualized Special Needs Education Program

What is an "IEP"?

An IEP is an acronym for individualized education plan. An IEP is also a legal document that is created out of the IEP meaning. Once the student that has been identified as having an exceptional need, the IEP team puts together a plan to help the student be successful for the next academic year. The purpose of the IEP is to take the students needs and strengths as well as assessment data in creating goals and objectives including accommodations and modifications, using it as a guide to help instruct that student of the next year.

What happens once my child is deemed eligible for special education?

After your child has been identified as being eligible for special education support and services, once again the program placement will be decided upon at the initial IEP team meeting. Every member of the team must be in consensus as to what type of program, what type of class environment, what type of strategies, accommodations and modifications your child will need to be successful in the upcoming year.

What occurs during an IEP meeting?

During an IEP meeting, all members invited present their findings, their comments, and their concerns on the child in question. The information is then taken and used to decide if the student is eligible, and if so what type of program would best benefit and help that child to achieve success in their academically lacking areas.

Do IEPs change over the course of the school year?

The only way a current IEP can be changed is by holding another IEP meeting and changing it. Otherwise, once an IEP has been consented upon and all parties have signed, it is a legal document and all the recommendations and implementations in that document are enforced until the next IEP meeting.

Can I have my child's IEP re-evaluated?

Parents of special needs students can have their children re-evaluated; however, they must request those evaluations of the school themselves. It is always best to make those requests for re-evaluation in writing and hand-deliver those to the proper personnel.

Can special needs students transition to other classes?

Physical and orthopedic impairments or any severe physical disability that prevents a student from successfully accessing the general curriculum.