Flashcards — Reading the IEP

It describes how your child is doing right now, in school and daily skills. Goals and services should all connect back to it.

Phrases like 'is making progress' tell you little. Ask for data, like test scores or 'reads 45 words per minute.'

Services during school breaks, like summer, if your child needs them. It's decided by the IEP team for each child.

An Individualized Education Program: a written plan that spells out your child's goals, services, and supports. The school must follow it.

Every need found in the evaluation should be addressed somewhere in the IEP. Compare the evaluation to the IEP and look for gaps.

It says what skill, how well, by when, and how it will be measured. Example: 'reads 90 words per minute with 95% accuracy by May.'

Goals like 'will improve reading' can't be measured. Ask: 'How will we know if this goal is met?'

Modifications can affect grades, credits, or a diploma path. Ask how each one affects your child's long-term options.

Each service, how often, how long, and where. For example: 'Speech therapy, 30 minutes, 2 times a week, in the therapy room.'

The IEP team must consider your concerns. Ask that your written concerns be included or attached.

If behavior gets in the way of learning, the team must consider positive behavior supports. These can be written into the IEP or a behavior plan.

An accommodation changes how your child learns or shows learning, like extra time. A modification changes what they're expected to learn, like fewer or simpler questions.

Each teacher and provider who works with your child should have access and know their part. Ask who has the IEP and how it's shared.

Supports that help your child benefit from school, such as speech, occupational therapy, counseling, or transportation.

A plan for life after high school: further school, work, and independent living. It must be in place by age 16, and some states start earlier.

The IEP must say how and when you'll get progress reports — often each grading period. Ask for actual data, not just 'progressing.'