18 PARTS OF AN IEP - PART 2 (#10-18)

THERE ARE 18 ESSENTIAL PARTS OF THE IEP

This brings us to the last blog of this series, where we address the last 9 parts of the IEP and their functions. PARENTS MUST UNDERSTAND THE FUNCTION OF EACH PART AND HOW TO USE THEM! What you do not know can delay progress and limit functionality.

10) Annual Goals and Objectives

• A statement of measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals
  • An annual goal describes what the child is...

18 PARTS OF AN IEP I-9

THERE ARE 18 ESSENTIAL PARTS OF THE IEP

The annotated IEP document reaches 40 pages with no information about the student yet, so it is not surprising that some parents find it to be daunting and intimidating.  That is why we want to make sure you are aware of, not only each part of the IEP, but also of what the purpose of that part is and how the parts all come together to create learning opportunities for each child.

PARENTS MUST UNDERSTAND THE FUNCTION OF EACH...

WHO DEVELOPS THE IEP?

The IEP is developed by a team. This team includes school personnel and the child’s parents and as appropriate the child. This team meets AS OFTEN AS NECESSARY, but at least once a year.

Parents and Child

• the parents of the child with a disability are vital members of the IEP team
• they are their child’s best advocates and have significant expertise that no one else has
• Be prepared for the IEP meeting or your child will not get what they need.
• Review the IEP...

IEP VS. A 504 ACCOMMODATION PLAN

The Section 504 plan is NOT an IEP and that is the only part that is clear. Understanding the differences can be critical. If you have a child who should have an IEP and you are given a 504 accommodation plan instead, you will not be able to get the supports necessary for functional outcomes because most of them are not available under a 504. 

504 Plan

Section 504 is a part of a civil rights statute called the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

It prohibits...

 WRITE THE IEP RIGHT THE FIRST  TIME

The IEP is the child's individualized plan to attain functional goals. It makes no difference if we are looking at reading, social competence, or anyone or combination of needs, if they are not addressed in the IEP there will be no focus on them. Most parents and advocates are not taught how to do the IEP right the first time around. So let us start with a clear understanding of what the IEP is, its function and its purpose..

• IEP stands for...

TRANSITIONING BACK TO SCHOOL

SPECIAL EDUCATION AND COVID-19

• COVID-19 has put light on and exposed to a greater degree the significant Diversity Gap,
  • It exposed and exacerbated existing variances between students
  • Teachers need to be aware that the need for differentiated instruction is significant, even more than previously.
• Implemented distance learning, does not replicate the in-person learning experience.
  • It widened the divide in the educational gap and decreased academic...

This is a hard time for everyone. While we are all frustrated and coping with
unprecedented challenges raised by COVID-19, the burden is not shared evenly. This pandemic has magnified the extensive inequities present for 7.5 million special education students in our current educational system. 14 percent of all public school students receive federally mandated special education services because of their disabilities. Working together in collective constructive and positive action to...

For parents, advocates, and teachers IEP meetings can be overwhelming and even create fear. But, when provided with the right supports these fears can be alleviated.

Elenore Rosevelt said, "Do one thing every day that scares you." 

Well, parents of children with special needs go far beyond the call with that one! 

STRUGGLING WITH IEPs?

IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS HARD!!

You are right, handling an IEP meeting should not induce high anxiety, demand pharmaceutical...

PARENTS NEED SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCATES NOW

MJ Gore, Roy Lewis, Marie Lewis

Some people say the special education system is broken. It may not be broken as much as dysfunctional, ignored and not complied with. 14% of all children are in special education and 90% of them do NOT have severe disabilities.

• “A significant lack of school accountability, poor enforcement of existing federal laws, and systemic barriers have denied students their educational rights and...

Provocative Language provides information on the interface between psychological practice, applied behavioral analysis, and social cognition training in an area that affects the education and welfare of children with specific disabilities like Autism, ADHD, TBI, and Tourette Syndrome. It provides insights on working with schools, mental health providers, and the criminal justice system. It describes principles for best practices and recommends procedures to be followed in IEP and goal...