have been a game-changer in education, offering tailored support to students with a wide range of special needs. From students with learning disabilities to those struggling with behavior, IEPs have played a pivotal role in ensuring every child receives a quality education. This guide will demystify IEPs and explore how they benefit students, especially those facing behavioral challenges.
Understanding the Origin of IEPs
The roots of IEPs can be traced back to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, now known as the , signed into law in 1975. This groundbreaking legislation mandated that students with disabilities, including those with behavioral challenges, have the right to a free and appropriate public education tailored to their unique needs. The development of IEPs was a critical component of this law, ensuring that students received individualized support plans to help them succeed academically and behaviorally.
In special education, there's too much emphasis on the deficit and not enough on the strength.
Temple Grandin
The IEP Basics: What Parents Need to Know
For parents, understanding the basics of IEPs is essential. An IEP is a legally binding document that outlines a student's unique learning and support needs and the services and accommodations they will receive. It's a roadmap to success, customized to each child. The IEP process typically involves assessment, goal setting, and regular review meetings.
This video explains what an IEP is.