Individualized Education Program (IEP)

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document concerning a student’s performance level and the corresponding goals and objectives that address the areas of need. IEPs can dictate that students not be assessed at all, that they participate in only certain types of assessments, or that they only participate in assessments if certain accommodations are made.

The Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics defines an IEP as a written instructional plan for students with disabilities designated as special education students under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B, which includes:

1. a statement of present levels of educational performance of a child;
2. a statement of annual goals including short-term instructional objectives;
3. a statement of specific education and related services to be provided and the extent to which the child will be able to participate in regular educational programs;
4. a projected date for initiation and anticipated duration of services; and
5. appropriate objectives, criteria and evaluation procedures and schedules for determining, on at least an annual basis, whether instructional objectives are being achieved.

Last updated 17 June 2008 (MH)

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