Developing Quality IEPs
A collaborative, step-by-step guide to creating effective IEPs
The IEP: A Blueprint for Student Success
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that outlines how a student with a disability will access their education. It's developed collaboratively by a team that includes parents, teachers, specialists, and administrators—all working together to support the student's growth and achievement. This guide walks through each component of IEP development with a focus on partnership and student-centered planning.
Start with a clear understanding of the student's current academic, functional, and developmental levels.
Key Actions:
- Review all evaluation data and assessments
- Gather input from teachers, specialists, and parents
- Identify student strengths and areas of need
- Document baseline data for goal development
Create specific, measurable goals that address identified needs and support the student's progress in the general curriculum.
Key Actions:
- Ensure goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Include condition, behavior, criteria, and measurement method
- Connect goals to present levels of performance
- Consider both academic and functional needs
Identify the specialized instruction and related services needed to help the student achieve their goals.
Key Actions:
- Determine service type (direct, consultation, collaboration)
- Specify frequency, duration, and location
- Identify who will provide each service
- Consider extended school year (ESY) eligibility
Choose supports that enable the student to access the general curriculum and demonstrate learning.
Key Actions:
- Differentiate between accommodations and modifications
- Ensure accommodations are individualized to student needs
- Include both instructional and assessment accommodations
- Document implementation requirements clearly
Establish how and when the team will measure and report the student's progress toward goals.
Key Actions:
- Define data collection methods and frequency
- Identify who will collect and review data
- Determine progress reporting schedule for parents
- Plan for data-based decision making
Ensure all team members—including parents and student when appropriate—contribute to the IEP development.
Key Actions:
- Schedule IEP meeting with adequate notice
- Invite all required team members
- Gather parent and student input before the meeting
- Create a strengths-based, collaborative atmosphere
Lead with Strengths
Begin discussions by celebrating what the student does well to set a positive, collaborative tone.
Use Clear, Jargon-Free Language
Write the IEP in plain language that all team members, especially parents, can understand.
Connect Everything to Student Needs
Ensure every goal, service, and support directly addresses an identified need from present levels.
Consider the Whole Child
Address academic, functional, social-emotional, and transition needs as appropriate.
- •The IEP is a team effort. All voices—especially parents and students—are essential to creating a meaningful plan.
- •Focus on the student's individual needs, not a pre-determined program or service model.
- •Document everything clearly and specifically so anyone reading the IEP understands what supports the student receives.
- •The IEP should be a living document, reviewed and adjusted regularly based on student progress and changing needs.