If your child is struggling in school because of a learning disability (LD), an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) might be an option to support his or her K-12 educational needs. Every public school child who receives special education and related services must have an IEP, and it’s hard to understate just how important this document is—it’s the cornerstone of a quality education for many students with disabilities. As a parent, you play a key role at all points in the IEP process, and your knowledge and advocacy can make a big difference in ensuring your child’s success. As you browse NCLD’s IEP Headquarters and learn more about IEPs, here are ten points to be sure you take away:-
Getting an IEP is one step in the special education process.
In order to get an IEP, a child must be evaluated and found eligible for special education services. An IEP does not automatically follow a LD diagnosis, and not all students with LD will be eligible for an IEP. (If your child is not eligible for an IEP, a 504 plan may be available for in-school support.) -
The IEP should contain individualized information about your child and lay out the educational program designed to meet his or her needs.
By law, the IEP must include certain information about the child and the services and supports the school will provide. This information covers topics such as current performance, annual goals, special education and related services, accommodations, participation in state and district-wide tests, needed transition services, and measured progress. Remember that there is no “standard IEP”—every student has different needs and should receive a different plan. You can use NCLD’s IEP Checklist to make sure your child’s IEP includes all necessary components. -
IEPs are backed by the law.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the key federal education law that serves students with LD, requires that every child eligible for special education services has an IEP and sets requirements for the development, review, and revision of the plan. IDEA grants specific rights to parents and students that you should become familiar with. -
Parents play a crucial role at all points in the IEP process.
As a parent, you are an important member of your child’s IEP team. You have the right to participate in all IEP meetings and have input in all educational decisions made for your child. You also have the right to bring anyone with you to the IEP meeting that you may find helpful in the discussion. From the initial evaluation to when your child graduates, your active participation will help ensure your child’s IEP is crafted and implemented in a way that will lead to his or her success. Make sure you fully read and understand your child’s IEP. -
IEPs should be results-oriented and time-sensitive.
Your child’s IEP should state measurable annual goals. Reports should include objective measures—like results gathered by curriculum-based measurement and standardized tests. (Teacher-given grades and reports are important to consider, but should not be the only measure of progress.) If you’re concerned that your child is not making progress, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Follow-up is key in ensuring proper implementation of the IEP.
Parents often assume that their child’s teachers will know what’s in their child’s IEP—unfortunately, this is not always the case. It’s important to make an effort to meet with your child’s teachers (including those who teach special classes like music, art and physical education) and other service providers. There’s always a chance that something in the IEP will be overlooked or forgotten, so be sure to monitor your child’s schoolwork, performance on tests, and attitude toward school. Check in with your child and his or her teachers to make sure that all services and accommodations are being carried out as stated in the IEP. -
IEPs must be updated and reviewed at least annually.
IDEA requires that the school team (including parents) meet at least yearly to review the IEP and make changes for the upcoming year. As your child’s challenges, achievements, and needs evolve, his or her IEP should change to reflect this. While any change to the IEP must be approved by the parents and school, parents can request the team meet at any time (be sure to make this request in writing). In other words, if you’re concerned about your child’s progress and think his or her IEP might need to change, you don’t need to wait until your annual review to discuss the situation. -
The IEP should include plans for life after high school—long before it’s time to graduate.
IDEA requires that transition services (plans and measurable goals related to post-secondary training, education, employment, and independent living) be included in a student’s IEP starting at the age of 16. But it’s often wise to start thinking about transition earlier and many states start this process at age 14. Students with LD need to start transition planning in middle school because they may need to take specific classes or courses of study to keep them on a path to achieve their postsecondary goals. -
Remember that IEPs do not extend to college, post-secondary programs, or the workplace.
The IEP ends at the conclusion of high school, or if the student is going to continue to receive special education services or supports, at the age of 22 (in most states). IDEA services do not continue into a two- or four-year college or the workplace, and needed accommodations will not be granted automatically. Use NCLD’s Checklist for Transitioning from High School to College to understand how to prepare for the transition out of high school. -
If there is a dispute over an IEP, you have options.
First, learn more about your child’s rights under IDEA and check out NCLD’s IEP Meeting Conversation Stoppers to learn ways to respectfully but forcefully advocate for your child’s rights in some common situations. If you continue to disagree with the school district’s assessment or educational program for your child or believe that the school has violated any IDEA requirements, IDEA provides dispute resolution options that may be an option for your family. You can always contact your local Parent Training & Information Center or state education department for more information.
For a complete guide to the special education process and IEPs, check out our IDEA Parent Guide.
