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Q: What happens after a
child has been found eligible for special education?
A: After a child
has been evaluated and determined to have a disability
under IDEA, the multi-disciplinary
team will meet to develop an
individualized education program (IEP). An IEP is a written plan which maps out a child's education. This written plan includes:
- a description of the child's strengths
and needs (otherwise known as the child's "present level of performance").
-
educational goals and objectives for the coming year.
-
criteria and evaluation procedures to determine if the child's goals and
objectives are successful.
-
characteristics of the educational services
that will be provided.
-
statements of specific special education and
related service (e.g. physical therapy,
speech services, etc.) that will be provided. Also, the extent the
child will participate in the general education setting and a
justification.
-
when special education and related services
will start, time allotted for them, and amount of services given.
-
beginning at the age of 14, a description of
how a student will transition after
graduation from high school (otherwise known as "transition planning")
Q: Who is on the
multidisciplinary team?
A:
The following people should be on the child's multidisciplinary team:
-
the child, when appropriate. However,
always after the age of 14.
-
the child's parent(s) or guardian(s)
- the
child's general education teacher
- a
representative of the school district who is able to supervise the provision
of
special education services (e.g. school's principal, school district's
special
education supervisor, etc.)
-
a special education teacher who is trained in the
area(s) of the child's
disability.
-
a person knowledgeable in the school's
curriculum.
- an evaluator, or some other
person, knowledgeable in the evaluation
process.
-
transition services personnel (if the student is
over the age of 14)
- additional
individuals invited to the meeting by parents or the school district.
Q: What should I expect
at an IEP meeting?
A: Several things should be discussed at an IEP meeting:
- introduction of the multidisciplinary
team.
-
evaluation results or current IEP
-
the child's strengths and needs
-
annual goals and objectives, according to the
child's areas of need
-
how the goals and objectives will be implemented
and by who
-
the child's least restrictive environment
-
possible technology used to assist a student at
school
-
the child's participation in state-wide and district assessments
-
transition services (when the student is 14 years
or older)
- possible behavioral supports
needed for the child
- possible
adaptations and modifications for the child at school
Q: How often should the
child's IEP reviewed?
A:
The child's IEP must be reviewed once a year. However, it may be
reviewed anytime at the request of the child's parents or school district.
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