When a student has certain types of learning needs, he or she could be eligible for support through the special education program. One of the most critical components of special education is the Individualized Education Program, which is a plan custom-tailored to the needs of the individual student. It outlines what types of support the student will receive to provide him or her with the best possible education.
Know what’s in it
A parent must know what is in his or her child’s IEP. This allows the parent to effectively advocate for his or her child, ensuring that the student gets the proper support. The school, teachers and administration are required to adhere to the terms of the document. Before creating this document, the student will go through a careful evaluation with knowledgeable professionals.
An IEP is based on a student’s individual needs. This may include occupational services, speech therapy, physical assistance with tasks and more. Some students may get additional time on tests, receive instructions in different formats and be allowed to complete work in different ways. The details matter as they are tailored to the specific student and his or her needs.
Advocating for the individual student
California parents have the right to know what is in their student’s IEP and how the school is following the plan. If there are issues with an IEP or the school’s adherence to the strategy, a parent has the right to advocate for his or her student. In some cases, it may be necessary to take legal action against the school.