Understanding IEP's
Most Important parts for Regular Education Teachers
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. Kids from age 3 through high school graduation or a maximum age of 22 (whichever comes first) may be eligible for an IEP.
The IEP is meant to address each child’s unique learning issues and include specific educational goals. It is a legally binding document. The school must provide everything it promises in the IEP.
Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)
The PLAAFP statement will give a snapshot of the student at a particular time and place. It will describe the level at which the student is working academically and functionally . This includes a description of a student’s strengths and needs. It will also state how the student stands in comparison to his or her peers and are there any gaps between a student’s ability to perform academically with grade-level skills or behave with age-appropriate developmental skills?
A Place to Start