This week we learned all about IEP. Individualized Education Program, IEP, is a written document that’s developed for each public school child who is eligible for special education. Every year IEP meetings are held. The people that attend these meetings work closely together to find out the best way to help the child. These adults include:

• ·   SPED teacher
•      General ED teacher
• ·   School OT
• ·   RN Student
• ·   School psychologist
• ·   Administrators
• ·   Parents of the child

In this meeting it is important for staff to remember that the family is the corner stone of the meeting. The most important principle is to value the student and their family. These adults work together to help the child avoid feeling left out. They discuss standardized testing or alternative assessments for the child. They also discuss how to teach the child in the following subjects:

• ·         Reading
• ·         Writing
• ·         Mathematics
• ·         Social emotional health

There is also discussion on accommodations and modifications. Accommodations include change in how the child is learning, therefore not changing the curriculum. Examples include digital text and extended time on assignments and tests. Modifications include changes to WHAT the child is learning.

There’s a lot that goes on during an IEP meeting, but the end result is to find the best approaches to best suit the child so he/she can get the most out of their education.

Thanks for reading!

Karly B.