Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the foundation of special education services.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public school districts to provide students with disabilities with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The IEP is legal documentation of how that FAPE is provided for a particular student across a program of special and related education services.

The IEP is a collaborative document developed between school and service personnel (which may include special education teachers, general education teachers, administrators, related services providers and others) and a student’s family. IEPs are reviewed by all parties multiple times throughout a year, with changes made as appropriate to ensure a student is meeting their educational goals.

“The essential function of an IEP is to set out a plan for pursuing academic and functional advancement” (Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, 2017, p. 992).

Related Materials

NYS CEC Conference

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New York State Unit
31 March 2023 20:00–31 May 2023 20:00
Online Event
We’ve gone virtual! This conference is shifting to an asynchronous virtual format. The interactive digital program will activate on April 1, with materials available through June 1.

INCEC Professional Learning Series

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Indiana Unit
14 March 2023 13:30–14:30
11 April 2023 13:30–14:30
9 May 2023 13:30–14:30
13 June 2023 13:30–14:30
Online Event
Join us for our monthly PD series covering topics from special educator wellness, certificate of completion student support, writing quality IEP present levels, and more! March 14 - Special Educator...

Teaching Exceptional Children 55-2

TEC 55.2
Articles include: Developing IEPs to Secure School-Based Mental Health Supports for Students With Disabilities Not a Roll of the Dice: Increasing the Probability of Student Success Securing School...
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How the Supreme Court May Change Your Practice

Supreme Court Decision and Implications for Developing IEPs
On January 11, 2017, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, a case that involved a student with autism from Colorado. The question in this case, which...
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Self-Determination in the IEP Process & Beyond

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The IEP process is meant to guide participants into valued outcomes to support a students individual needs AND desires (especially when beginning to think about the transition plan). The goal of the...
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Related Topics

Common Core
Compliance and Ethics
IDEA

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