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What Is An Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that public schools create an IEP for every child receiving special education services. The IEP addresses each student's unique learning issues and include specific educational goals. The IEP is a legal document.
Here’s a quick recap of what an IEP must include:
- A statement of your child’s present level of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP)—this is how your child is performing in school now and how the disability impacts educational learning
- Your child’s annual educational goals and objectives
- Special education supports and services provided to help your child reach goals
- Modifications and accommodations provided to help your child make progress
- Accommodations your child requires when taking standardized tests
- How and when the school will measure your child’s progress toward annual goals
- Depending on your student's age, transition planning that prepares teens for life after high school
What does the IEP Contain?: Breaking Down the Parts of Your Student's IEP for ISD#719
The Minnesota Comprehension Assessments (MCAs) information is typically found on page 8 of your child's IEP. The District-Wide Assessments can be found on page 10 of your child's IEP. The IEP team may decide whether or not certain assessments are appropriate for your student or whether he requires an alternative assessment. Additionally, the IEP team will determine whether your student requires special accommodations for testing. For more detailed information regarding accommodations for testing, refer to this Pacer* article (click to go to link).
(*The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents.)
APPS, LINKS, and ACTIVITIES
Saint Patrick's Day Activity
Test your knowledge of St. Patrick's Day vocabulary skills by trying to unscramble the words below with your student.
We have provided a modification for those who need a little support completing the puzzle. The modification to this activity is the Word Bank provided below the scramble.
Talk about the word meanings with your child. You can also look at the scoring box to discuss some figurative language with your student. For example, "what does it mean to be 'clever as a leprechaun'?"
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* Home Strategies
* Spring Activity