DEVELOPING AN IEP

This page lists ideas for writing an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for your child. 
What is an IEP? 
An IEP is a plan set by the ARD (Admissions, Review and Dismissal) committee setting short and long term goals. 
Goals are statements that tell what skills or behaviors that we would like to see the child learn or do better. Long term goals are usually set for an entire school year. Short term goals may be set for daily, weekly, or monthly time frames. These short term goals are set to help accomplish the annual or long term goals. These goals must be measurable, observable and obtainable within the time frame set.  You as a parent can ask for specific goals
The following are areas where most educational goals are set:

• Academic Skills; i.e., reading, writing, spelling, math
  

  READING

  • Read traffic safety signs
  • Improve sight vocabulary
  • Read at targeted grade level
  • Understand what is read out loud
    

  WRITING / SPELLING

  • Print name and address
  • Write a book report
  • Make fewer spelling errors
  • Print more neatly
    
    MATH
  • Make change with money
  • Count by tens
  • Tell time
  • Get a passing grade in algebra
  • Learn the multiplication tables
    
• Self-Help Skills; i.e., eating, dressing, bathing, shopping
  
  • Eat with a knife and fork
  • Bring belongings home from school
  • Cross a street with traffic signals
  • Prepare food safely
  • Use the telephone
  • Ride the bus
    
• Motor Skills; i.e., riding a bike, climbing stairs
  
  • Swim
  • Play the piano
  • Drive a car
  • Cut with scissors
  • Play on the basketball team
    
• Social / Emotional Skills; i.e., sharing, making friends, saying "thank you", trying new things, smiling
  
  • Enjoy playing with peers
  • Have good manners
  • Play table games
  • Sleep without a light on
  • Participate in group activities
    
• Vocational / Prevocational Skills i.e., following directions, completing jobs, using tools, career-exploration
  
  • Career exploration
  • Work Independently
  • Listen and follow instructions
  • Do chores around the house
  • Learn to type
    

Example of written goals for students:

1. The student will progress from the 6.4 to the 6.8 grade level in math as measured by
   the KeyMath Test.
2. The student will answer 6 out of 10 factual questions about a passage read with 80% accuracy
3. The student will work cooperatively within a group for 5 minutes  at a minimum of 8 time a day with 80% success.

Remember, goals should be realistic, specific, and reachable within a reasonable amount of time. Otherwise, you and your child may be frustrated and disappointed. All goals should be positive and written with success in mind. Ask for a copy of your IEP. The minutes of the meeting is NOT the IEP. Check to be sure the goals are written in the IEP as discussed.  

This information compiled from the book "Rights and Responsibilities Under Public Law 94-142" published by Partners Resource Network. Partners Resource Network is a non-profit advocacy group.

For more information e-mail me at this address or contact your state school agency or your local advocacy group.

This page designed by Opal Cummings Harris.
Copyright © 1997 by [ADDA-SR]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 07 Nov 2005 19:14:06 -0600 .

   This page meets Bobby's guidelines to be ADA compliant.