How to Get an IEP

How can a student get an IEP?

In order for a student to have an IEP, three things need to be done; observations, testing, and a diagnosis. If a teacher or parent is concerned with a student's performance in school, they can request that the progress of classification begin.

As long as there is parental approval, observations of the student in their current class environment. Observations are commonly conducted by a psychologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and speech therapist. They are looking for where, when, and how a student is struggling. It is important to think about why a student is struggling, but the observations are used to collect data to present at a Committee for Special Education (CSE) meeting.

At the same time as the observations, testing is conducted to see specifically where a student may need additional support. Testing can also be conducted by a psychologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and speech therapist. Testing can range from an IQ test to sensory profiles and even language scales. These tests are aimed to get more data to show where a student is struggling.

Most of the diagnoses come from a doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. It is not always guaranteed that a student has a diagnosis before the process of observations and testing, so a diagnosis of a qualifying health condition is needed. There are a few categories that do not need a specific diagnosis, such as learning disability and speech or language impairment.

All of the data from the observations and testing are collected and presented at a CSE meeting. At this meeting, there should be anyone who observed or tested the student, as well as their current teacher, a special education teacher, and the parent(s) of the student. At this meeting each party shares what they found, ensuring to focus on the student's strengths as well as on their areas of need. After sharing their findings, if it is deemed that the student would benefit from special education by all parties, they can be classified in one of 13 categories and an IEP will be written by the CSE. Once an IEP is written and approved by the parents, a student may receive special education services.

13 Classifications of Disabilities

If a student qualifies for special education, they can be classified in one of 13 categories.

Intellectual Disability

When one has a limitation in their cognitive function and skills, possibly due to a developmental delay, AND an adaption delay (unable to complete age-appropriate self care).

Learning Disability

When a student is performing way below grade level/age expectations in an academic area (reading, math, writing, spelling, listening, articulating their thinking).

Visual Impairment

Any level of visual limitations (including blindness) that negatively affects one's academic performance in school, even with glasses or contacts.

Multiple Disabilities

A naturally associated pair or group of impairments which when both are present negatively affect one's academic performance. This does not include deaf-blindness.

Hearing Impairment

Any level of hearing limitation (permanent or shifting) that is not covered in the deafness section.

Speech or Language Impairment

An impairment in one's communication skills that negatively affects their academic performance.

Deafness-Blindness

A naturally associated level of hearing and visual limitations that causes a major lack of communication skills.

Orthopedic Impairment

Any orthopedic impairment, disease related to one's joints, bones, or muscle, that negatively affects one's academic performance.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

This type of injury is acquired during one's life, not something they are born with (i.e. not present from birth or caused by birth trauma). The injury itself can be shown in many different cognitive aspects (ex memory, language, abstract thinking, etc) at varying degrees (mild, moderate, severe).

Emotional Disturbance

An emotional related reason why one's academic performance has been negatively affected. Some of the emotional related reasons can be consistent feelings of depression, impulsive behaviors, difficulty making and maintaining relationships, and fear or physical symptoms of anxiety associated with the school system.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

ASD is characterized by difficulty in communication and social interactions (facial recognition). They often thrive on a strict schedule and find comfort in repetitive behavior.

Deafness

Any level of hearing limitations (including deafness) that affects one's ability to process the language they are hearing, even with hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Other Health Impairments

Essentially covers any other impairment that has not already been mentioned. Any autoimmune diseases, chronic illnesses are all included in this category.

For more information about each classification, check out my Classification Notebook.

Note, this also inlcudes "English Language Learners" as a category while it is not a part of the IDEA.

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