It’s important for parents of students with special needs to understand special education, as well as their child’s progress, so they can be the best possible advocates for their child.

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

The term ‘individualized education program’ or ‘IEP’ refers to a written statement for each child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with federal law. The IEP guides a special education student’s learning. It is created for children between the ages of 3 and 22. It describes the amount of time that the child will spend receiving special education services, any related services the child will receive, and academic/behavioral expectations.

IEP Team

The IEP team meets at least once a year to talk about the child’s progress and make any needed changes to the plan.

The IEP Team, or Individualized Education Program Team, is a group of individuals including:

• The parent(s) of the child;
• At least one general education teacher of the child;
• At least one special education teacher;
• A representative of the Local Education Authority (LEA) who is qualified to provide, or supervises the provision of, specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities, and is knowledgeable about the general curriculum and the availability of resources of the LEA;
• An individual who can interpret assessment results and the related instructional implications;
• Other individuals, at the discretion of the parent or the LEA, who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel, if appropriate; and
• The child, if appropriate.

The IEP team is responsible for identifying and evaluating children with disabilities, developing, reviewing, or revising an IEP for a child with a disability, and determining the placement of a child with a disability in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

Special education and related services that:

• Are provided at public expense, under public supervision and direction, and without charge;
• Meet the standards of the State Educational Agency, including the requirements of this party
• Include an appropriate preschool, elementary school, or secondary school education; and
• Are provided in conformity with an Individualized Education Program

IDEA: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

This is the federal law that addresses most special education issues.

Inclusion

Inclusion is a mindset that encourages providing all children, including those with significant disabilities, with an equal opportunity to learn alongside their non-disabled peers in the general education classroom to the maximum extent possible with the necessary supports and services students need to make the most of their education.

Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

An FBA is a process used for students who have behavioral or emotional problems that are believed to be interfering with their educational progress or the progress of other students. During this process, the child’s IEP team identifies specific challenging behavior, the purpose of that behavior, and whether the behavior is interfering with the child’s educational progress.

The FBA leads to the development of a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) plan to teach acceptable alternative behavior. The BIP focuses on teaching new behaviors and skills, but also can require:

• Modification of the school or classroom environment and activities;
• Adaptation of curriculum and instructional delivery; and
• Changes to the teacher-student relationship that has been promoting undesirable behavior.