What is a student IEP? I am so glad you asked! A student IEP is an Individualized Education Program. Each program is unique and created for an individual student by an IEP team. Parents, Teachers, Special Education Teachers, and other specialists make up the team who will support the student.
An IEP outlines the present level of student performance. It also identifies goals that are at an appropriate level for the student. The IEP outlines the supports and services that will be put into place. Additionally, the frequency of support a student will require to meet their goals is listed. Annual team meetings are held to review and revise the student’s program.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, students who have a disability are entitled to a free and appropriate public education. The student IEP is a map that ensures they receive it!
Student Involvement
When appropriate, students should be involved in the IEP process. This can be both valuable and empowering for the student. Teach students to understand their own abilities. Becoming a self advocate is a skill that will serve them throughout their adult lives. Make sure students understand that they are an important part of their own education. Allow students to access their own IEPs, goals, and accommodation information.
3 Strategies for Teaching Students about IEPs
Tackling a conversation about special education with a student who is not ready can be a challenging task. Here are four ways to help students transition into members of the IEP team:
- Allow students to monitor and chart their own progress towards their IEP goals.
- Give students a printed schedule of their IEP services. Have them take the lead on following it.
- Teach students to think about what helps them be successful at school (setting, volume of noise, breaks, etc.). Then, have them practice asking for it.
- Teach vocabulary that specifically relates to the special education process. Even better if you can teach this concept in a social skills group so it does not feel personal for any one student.
