It is sometimes difficult to entirely understand an IEP, to weed though the professional rhetoric and jargon in order to see exactly where and how your child fits. Many parents defer to the words and opinions of the teachers and service providers at the table. Others come in with a single-minded objective, and are not open to any deviations. Your voice, your opinions and your wishes matter and should be included on every page of your child’s IEP, and to do so, you must know what information is needed on each page.
Page 1- Student Strengths and Key Evaluation Results Summary- You and your child should clearly state what he likes and is good at, both in and out of school. Could his interest in computer games, or taking things apart, be incorporated into his classes? Even as part of a reward system? Does he enjoy spending time reading? Doing math? Working with friends? Write it all down and let the person reading this plan know who your child is.
Page 2- Present Levels of Educational Performance A: General Curriculum- What does your child need to access the general curriculum? Does he need accommodations in order to succeed, does the information or material need to be modified in any way. Again, the teachers and service providers will also describe what they feel is needed, but this is also your opportunity to state what you feel is needed.
Page 3- Present Levels of Education Performance B: Other Educational Needs- List any social, emotional or behavioral concerns your child may exhibit. Include extra-curricular activities, clubs and organizations, travel training and other non-academic needs.
Page 4- Current Performance Levels/Measurable Annual Goals- What can your child currently do? What skills does your child need to build in order to achieve his goals as mentioned in the vision statement. Do the goals identify the behavior or skill to be measured? Does the goal identify the conditions for learning the skills? Does the goal identify the criteria for mastery?
Page 5- Service Delivery- Does the service delivery reflect the supports and personnel that are needed for your child’s successful outcome? Will he be serviced in the regular education environment? In a separate setting? A combination of the two?
Page 6- Schedule Modifications- Does your child require a shorter or longer school day or year? (You will need to explain why you feel this way) Teachers or service providers are also required to submit data sheets showing or not showing regression over time to back up their recommendations.
Page 7-State or District-Wide Assessment- every child must participate in mandated statewide assessments, but this is the time to discuss and decide whether your child will participate in the assessment without accommodations, with accommodations, or through an alternate assessment, such as a portfolio.
Page 8-Additional Information- Anything that has not yet been stated or discussed in your child’s IEP, but is necessary for his success should be included on this page.
Do not be afraid to read and question every section of every page if necessary. As you read through your child’s IEP ask yourself two questions: Does this sound like my child? Does this sound like something my child needs in order to improve in his area of disability? Your answers will ensure that your voice is heard throughout every page of your child’s IEP.
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