Writing an Individualized Education Plan

page 2

Writing the IEP in an orderly fashion

Special education law is very specific in how to go about writing an IEP. There are a number of logical steps that must be taken in the proper sequence. A team can not discuss placement until those steps have been followed. Yet all too often speculation placement is one of the first things discussed. We will not go into great detail about every little thing to be included in the IEP. Rather, we will look at major steps that should take place and the order in which those steps should take place.

Reviewing recent evaluations

The team should look at the last 3 year evaluation and any other recent evaluations. This is something your district may not be used to doing. Now, with the new special ed law, the team is supposed to review the needs in the evaluations. The team should also review the recommendations that every evaluation is required to have. If the team skips this step it is not unlike getting a thorough physical from your doctor, yet he never sees the results of laboratory tests or any other testing. IDEA now recognizes the importance of referring to relevant evaluations at IEP meetings.

Click here for the next step in writing the IEP.

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