Individualized Education Program (IEP)
The document that guides the yearly educational programming for a student with disabilities is called an Individualized Education Program or IEP.  Every child who receives special education services must have an IEP.  If a student has been evaluated and identified as having a disability and in need of specially designed instruction, an IEP must be developed.  The IEP is developed by a team consisting of the student’s teachers, administrators, related service providers, and the parents/guardians of the student.

The IEP must be completed within 30 calendar days after the evaluation team issues its Evaluation Report. Once developed, the IEP is put into action as soon as possible, but no later than 10 school days after the IEP is completed.  An IEP includes information about the student’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance along with annual, measurable goals that have been developed.  The IEP specifically defines where, what kind, how much, and how often special education and related services will be provided. It identifies the tests or other methods of assessment that will be used to decide if the student is meeting the annual goals.  The IEP includes information about how and when the student’s progress will be reported to the parent.  IEPs are reviewed at least one time each year and more often if needed.  Parents/guardians, or another member of the IEP team may request an IEP meeting at any time.

Related services are provided for students to participate in and obtain the benefits of their school program to the maximum extent appropriate to their abilities. These services are deemed necessary for students to benefit from their individualized programming. These specific services are determined on an individual basis and are delineated in each student’s IEP as appropriate. The following are some related services that students may receive as part of their educational programming:

• Speech/language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Assistive technology
• Vision or hearing consultation
• Transportation