Define: Individualized Education Program

An IEP is a legally binding document that outlines the specific educational goals and services for a student with a disability. It is developed by a team of professionals, including parents, teachers, and specialists.

Students who have been identified as having a disability that affects their educational performance and requires special education services are eligible for an IEP. This includes students with learning disabilities, autism, emotional disturbances, and other conditions.

An IEP is developed through a collaborative process involving the student’s parents, teachers, and other professionals. The team reviews the student’s evaluation results, identifies their strengths and weaknesses, and determines appropriate goals and services to meet their individual needs.

Yes, parents have the right to request an evaluation to determine if their child is eligible for an IEP. This can be done by submitting a written request to the school district, outlining concerns about the child’s educational performance.

Yes, parents have the right to request changes to their child’s IEP if they believe it is not meeting their needs. This can be done by requesting an IEP meeting and discussing the proposed changes with the IEP team.

If parents disagree with the proposed IEP, they have the right to request a due process hearing. This is a formal legal proceeding where an impartial hearing officer reviews the evidence and makes a decision regarding the appropriateness of the IEP.

Yes, an IEP can be revised at any time during the school year if the student’s needs change or if the current plan is not effective. This can be done through an IEP meeting where the team discusses and makes necessary revisions.

When a student with an IEP transitions to a new school, the receiving school is responsible for ensuring the continuity of services. The new school must review the existing IEP, provide comparable services, and make any necessary adjustments to meet the student’s needs.

Yes, an IEP can be terminated if the student no longer requires special education services or if they graduate from high school. This decision is made through an IEP meeting where the team determines that the student has met their educational goals and no longer needs an IEP.

Parents have several rights in the IEP process, including the right to participate in IEP meetings, review and provide input on the proposed IEP, request evaluations, and request changes to the IEP. They also have the right to receive written notice of any proposed changes or decisions regarding their child’s IEP.