Individualized
Individualized. What does that word mean? It means that the instruction and goals are tailored to the student and his or her needs. It also means that the services are designed to support that student, not every other student in the classroom. If the student needs an hour of inclusion support with a special education teacher or para, then it’s been determined that the student needs to be in a small group with other students at his or her level and the designated adult. The adult could be implementing accommodations or helping the student with note taking. If the student is making progress and meeting grade level standards without this small group instruction for an hour, do they need a full hour?
Is a one size fits all IEP individualized? No, it’s not. A student’s IEP in school should be tailored to that student and his or her needs. The same is true of outside tutoring. The plan should be based on data, monitored, and adjusted as needed. When looking at an IEP, make sure it makes sense for your child. Ask your child if he or she is getting their services and document it. When services are discussed, find out what will be done to monitor and make sure the child continues to require the services. If there is a decrease in services, when will the team meet to determine if the child is still making progress.
Individualized also means that every child is an individual. Not every student is going to get 100% on every assignment or straight A’s. Just because a student isn’t getting straight A’s doesn’t mean that he or she requires specialized instruction. Focus on their strengths. Are they working to the best of their ability and showing growth at about the same rate as their peers? Lack of progress or minimal progress is when concern should arise.
Should every child get the same tests when they are evaluated? Not if we are treating the child as an individual. Don’t be afraid to state your concerns, but also listen to the people evaluating. Ask what each test looks at.
Goals should be written for the child, not the program. What does your child need based on data provided? Does he or she need just one program, or are there other skills that need to be worked on as well?