I.E.P.

I.E.P.? What do these three letters stand for? I’ve seen two different meanings, but they are both connected. The better known meaning is Individualized Education Plan. This is a plan that is created by a team including staff from the school , you as a parent, and possibly your child. This is a legal document that describes your child and his or her needs. In addition, it sets goals and describes what your child needs in order to make progress in light of his or her circumstances.

This means that your child is entitled to and education that provides more than “de minimus”. The second meaning of I.E.P. goes along with his. I.E.P. can also be seen to stand for, “I Expect Progress.” Your child has been tested and evaluated. Their cognitive profile has been looked at. In addition, achievement and diagnostic testing has been completed to look at academic skills. Finally, if there are any concerns, evaluations have been completed in other areas including OT, PT, Speech, and Assistive Technology. Present levels of performance have been established using baseline DATA! Rigorous goals and benchmarks have been set. Finally, services, accommodations, methodology, and placement have been discusses and agreed on.

You’ve put in all this work, now you can let the team know, “I EXPECT PROGRESS.”