How to prioritize the needs from the ETR

Supreme Court Decisions from Endrew F vs. Douglas County School District.

“To meet its substantive obligation under the IDEA, a school must offer an IEP reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child’s circumstances.”

“The child’s educational program must be appropriately ambitious in light of his circumstances.”

“Every child should have the chance to meet challenging objectives.”

Indications of “reasonably calculated”:

• Valid and specific determination of needs

• Including annual determination of baseline data

• Alignment of measurable goals to specific needs

• Alignment of services to goals

• Determination of placement that allows progress toward goals

• Measurement of progress toward goals

• Reconsideration of goals and services when progress falls short of or exceeds expectations

• Trajectory of overall progress toward realistic future planning

• Inherent to this is an evolving IEP

It is important to understand grade level expectations, typical rates of improvement, and the progression of skills when prioritizing needs. Think about the long-range vision you have for the child then break that vision down into smaller, shorter-range outcomes that can be used as goals for the upcoming school year. Be reasonable in your expectations and prioritize your list based on current and relevant data and grade level expectations. Consider backward planning.

if this is an annual review, look at data from past IEPs to see what has worked (child has made adequate progress to close the gap) and what has not. Consider continuing with services that have shown promise. If the child has mastered goals, is there a service or accommodation that needs to be considered so that regression does not occur?

The student needs to be able to spend ample time in the general education setting (academically and socially) so not all of their time in school can be used to deliver specially designed services. Consider accommodations that can be incorporated into any setting as well.

Consider how the child’s disability affects their education. What are some supports and services that aid in the student's success.