Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are created for every student who is eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  This section provides in-depth information on the process of creating an IEP and the essential steps to ensure that your child receives the benefits and supports he/she is entitled to by law.  Take a look at the comprehensive IDEA and NCLB InfoZone pages available on this site as well to gain a greater understanding of IEPs in the context of these critical legislative acts.

Introduction and Background Information
Policy and Advocacy
Additional Resources on the Web 

Introduction and Background Information

What is an IEP?
Provides an overview of Individualized Education Programs, the process involved in creating one, and the actions taken once an IEP is written.

Parent Center - Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Developing Your Child’s Education Plan
A guide to navigating the IEP process with important information on how to successfully advocate for your child at each step along the way, including a checklist of key IEP meeting components, a comprehensive planner, and much more.

Tips for a Successful IEP Meeting
Lists action steps and helpful reminders for parents before, during and after the IEP meeting.

IEP Meeting Conversation Stoppers
Lists nine common barrier-creating statements, some information about what may be the real issues of concern, and suggestions for how parents can respond in a forceful yet respectful way to keep planning for their child moving forward.

LD Talk: Getting Organized for Your Child's IEP Meeting
LD Talk featured experts Connie Hawkins and Bill Sellar discuss strategies to help alleviate first-time nerves, improve communication between parents and schools and ensure all IEP team members are focused on the most important outcome - assuring the student is provided every opportunity to achieve their greatest academic potential and have a positive school experience. (September 20, 2006)

LD Talk: Navigating Special Education
LD Talk featured experts Alan W. Brue, Ph.D. and Linda Wilmshurst, Ph.D. discuss the ins and outs of special education, including important new changes brought about revisions to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) in this October 26, 2005 LD Online Chat.  Click here to view the LD Talk transcript archive.

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Policy and Advocacy

Advocacy Center - Comments on the Multi-Year IEP Pilot
This document states NCLD's position on proposed changes to the IEP Demonstration Program, and includes specific recommendations submitted by the Education Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), of which NCLD is a member. 

Advocacy Center - Comments on Paperwork Reduction Pilot
This document outlines NCLD's proposed criteria for the Paperwork Waiver Demonstration Program authorized by IDEA 2004 for up to 15 states.

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Additional Resources on the Web

General Information:

A Guide to the Individualized Education Program
U.S. Department of Education

Individualized Education Program (IEP) - An Overview
SchwabLearning.org

Creating Useful Individualized Education Programs
The ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education

NICHCY Connections to Individualized Education Programs
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

LD Indepth: IEPs
LDOnline.org

Resources for Parents:

IEP Training
California Services for Technical Assistance and Training's (CalSTAT) online IEP training for parents.

Parent Perspectives on IEP Meetings
National Center for Learning Disabilities
Listen to real parents share their tips for ensuring equal participation in any meeting and hear why it is important to bring your child into the IEP discussion. 

The Connection between Health and Transition Services 
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
A new Parent Brief on Health and Transition provides information on the benefits of and strategies for including health in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

Wrightslaw Game Plan: Writing SMART IEPs
Wrightslaw.org

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