Steps of an IEP

1. Pre-Referral – documentation is gathered and progress is monitored

2. Referral – continued difficulty is referred to the special education services

3. Identification – assessments are given and data is gathered

4. Eligibility – information is analyzed for appropriate placement of services

5. Developing the IEP – parents and professionals create an education plan for success

6. Implementing the IEP – school professionals put the plan into action and monitor closely

7. Re-Evaluation - modifications and goals are analyzed yearly for effectiveness

Resources

Goodman,  J.  F.  (1993).  The  individualized  education  program:  A  retrospective  critique.  The  Journal  of  Special  Education,  4(26),  408.  

Skinner,  M.  (1991).  Facilitating  parental  participation  during  individualized  education  program  conferences.  Journal  of  Educational  and  Psychological  Consultation,  2(3),  285.  

Smith,  D.  D.  (n.d.).  Steps  in  the  IEP  Process  |  Education.com.  Education.com  |  An  Education  &  Child  Development  Site  for  Parents  |  Parenting  &  Educational  Resource.  Retrieved  February  4,  2011,  from  http://www.education.com/reference/article/steps-­‐ndividualized-­‐education-­‐program-­‐IEP/  

Smith,  D.  D.,  &  Tyler,  N.  C.  (2010).  Introduction  to  special  education:  making  a  difference(7th  ed.).  Columbus,  Ohio:  Merrill.  

Individualized

Education

Program

Southern Methodist University

Special Topics in Special Education for General Education Teachers

EDU 6389

Angelyn Cheatham A Parent’s Guide

Tips to Help Parents Throughout the Process

Before the IEP Meeting • Review your child’s recent report

cards, medical records, and any other pertinent information.

• Write down any academic or behavior concerns that you have for your child.

• Consider your child’s learning needs. Atmosphere where he/she works best? Social needs? Physical needs?

• Write down your expectations or goals for the future of your child, including short-term and long term goals.

What is an IEP? An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is an individualized plan of action for the education of a child with a disability who qualifies for special education services. It includes modifications and accommodations to the regular school setting that allow the child with the disability to have the greatest opportunity for success and learning. It is developed based upon the needs of the child at hand by professionals in the school, such as the general education teacher, special education teacher, diagnostician, and administrators. The implementation and progress of the plan are monitored and reviewed annually.

During the IEP Meeting

• Follow along with information given by each member of the meeting.

• Ask questions if any term or procedure is unclear.

• Take notes of the information shared for future reference.

• Communicate your concerns and expectations.

• Be open to suggestions given to help your child.

After the IEP Meeting

• Keep track of your child’s progress.

• Maintain communication with your child’s teacher.

• Contact the Special Education teacher or case manager of your child with any concerns.

• Make notes of what has worked well and what has been ineffective to bring to the next IEP meeting.