Writing Culturally Relevant IEPs

Writing Culturally Relevant IEPs addresses the additional information that should be considered when developing an IEP for a student learning English as a second language.

This document includes:  an overview of second language acquisition,  a guide for using the 7 step process for developing an IEP through the lens of the needs of an EL,  PLAAFP examples for ELs,  guiding questions to facilitate IEP development,  information on developing language goals,  a list of suggested culturally responsive progress monitoring practices and tools,  information on specially designed instruction for EBs,  resources for linguistic accommodations,  applicable state and federal regulations, and more! 

This Question and Answer Document focuses on step 4 of this process included in developing measurable annual goals. While the seven-step process above is specific to academic (standards-based) goals, this question and answer document includes information on both academic (standards-based) and functional (non-standards-based) goals. Regardless of whether the goal is academic or functional, the seven steps remain the same.

This question and answer document is intended to serve as a resource to provide current information about developing IEP goals in order to ensure that the applicable requirements of IDEA 2004 and the ESSA are accurately understood and properly implemented.