What Is IEP (Individualized Education Program)?
A legally binding document that outlines specialized instruction, goals, and services for a student with a disability under IDEA.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan developed for each public school student eligible for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IEP is created by a team that includes the student's parents, teachers, special education staff, and often the student themselves.
The IEP includes the student's present levels of performance, measurable annual goals, the special education and related services to be provided, accommodations and modifications, and how progress will be measured. It is reviewed at least annually and must be in effect before special education services begin.
Teachers play a critical role in implementing IEPs in the classroom. General education teachers are responsible for following the accommodations and modifications listed in the IEP, tracking progress toward goals, and participating in IEP team meetings.
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504 Plan
A plan that provides accommodations for students with disabilities to access general education, protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Accommodations
Changes to how a student accesses or demonstrates learning without altering the content or expectations. The standard stays the same; the path changes.
Modifications
Changes to what a student is expected to learn or demonstrate — altering the content, standard, or level of the curriculum itself.
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
The federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) through special education and related services.
FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment)
A process for identifying the underlying function or purpose of a student's challenging behavior to develop effective interventions.
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