The purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is to lay out the special education instruction, supports, and services a student needs to thrive in school.

An IEP is a personalized plan that:

• Identifies the student’s strengths and areas of need

• Sets measurable goals for academic and functional progress

• Outlines the special education services, supports, and accommodations the student will receive

• Ensures the student can access and make progress in the general education curriculum

It also serves as a legal document that holds schools accountable for providing the agreed-upon supports and monitoring the student’s progress.