What is an I E P? It is written records that document the individualised planning process for students with special educational needs. Individualised planning is a continuous and integrated process of instruction, assessment, and evaluation, decision making and reporting. Why have an I E P? It allows the student to progress at a level commensurate with ability. It also involves collaboration between all partners. Also it focuses teaching strategies and ensures records are being kept.
These are some of the matters to be specified in an education plan:
(1) The nature and degree of the child’s abilities, skills and talents
(2) The nature and degree of the child’s special educational needs and how those needs affect his or her educational development (3) The present level of educational performance of the child
(4) The special educational needs of the child
(5) The special education and related support services to be provided to the child to enable the child to benefit from education and to participate in the life of the school
(6) The goals which the child is to achieve over a period not exceeding one year.
When developing an I E P they must be effective individualised and characterised by being individualised and child centred, inclusive, holistic, collaborative and also accessible. You also need to consider the child’s strengths and needs, setting learning priorities and teaching methods and strategies keeping track of progress and evaluating interventions.
What to include in an I E P? A statement, based on individual assessment, of current level of functioning in each of these areas: Academic, Social, Behavioural, Perceptual, Physical, Communication and Life skills.
A list of annual goals that can reasonably be expected to be accomplished by the child over an academic year. There must be a direct correlation between the annual goals and the present level of