The IEP, or simply called an ‘Education Plan’ in the latest Irish Legislation, is a plan of what special educational needs a child has and what steps will be taken to ensure that these needs are addressed. The IEP should state the following:
- The nature and degree of the child’s abilities and special education needs.
- The present level of academic performance.
- What special education and support services will be provided
- What goals will be achieved in the next period (usually 12 months, but this is best if reviewed regularly).
In addition, the IEP should be clear about:
- What the goals are and how these will be measured (for example, an IEP should not state “Joe will have better handwriting”, but rather that “Joe will be able to form all the letters of the alphabet successfully and place them on the line appropriately”).
- What programmes or tools and materials are required for the child to reach his goals or any adaptations that are necessary for the child to reach his goals.
- What level of assistance the child will receive in order to reach his goals.
- Which team members will be involved in his progress and in the review of the IEP.
by Catherine Milford