What an IEP Provides

Modifications

Modifications are changes to expectations or what is taught to help students perform the best they can. Modifications change the academic standards for what students are expected to learn. There is some controversy around modifications because it could prevent students from learning what is expected from that specific grade and ultimately keep them behind in school.

Examples

• Complete different homework

• Create project rather than a test

• Learn different materials

• Get graded on different standards than peers

Annual Goals

Annual goals are goals set at the end of the school year for the upcoming school year. These goals need to be obtainable in just one year and easily measurable throughout the year. This means there needs to be a clear way to measure progress through the school year

Examples

• Given a level H reading passage, John will fluently read (5 mistakes max) the passage in 6 minutes or less in 4 out of 5 trials.

• Given unifix cubes, Stacy will count 20 objects using 1:1 correspondence in 9 out of 10 trials.

• Hayden will demonstrate an understanding of assistive technology by accurately answering 4 out of 5 "wh-" questions in 8 our of 10 trials.

• Taylor will demonstrate understanding and use of positional conecpte by accurately following one step directions in 5 out of 6 trials.

Least Restrictive Environment

To provide students with "appropriate public education...designed to meet their unique needs" (About IDEA), in line with the IDEA act, the least restrictive environment has to be determined. This is essentially what kind of classroom a student should be in based on their level of special education needs. Students can be placed in a variety of classrooms, but there are four main environments; push in & pull out, consult, integrated co-taught, and self contained. 

Push In & Pull Out

A student is placed in a general education classroom, where there may be other students who qualify for special education but the majority are in general education. There is just a general education teacher in the room. Students who qualify for special education can recieve services, such as speech, physical, or occupational therapy, inside and outside of the classroom. Therapist may come into the classroom to observe students and provide support. These therapies are often during a time that makes sense for the specific student. If a student is struggling with hand writing, they may come in during language arts. Students may also be removed from class to participate in therapies one on one or in small groups.  These therapies are also during a time that makes sense for the specific student. If a student is struggling with math but is strong in science, they will likely be removed from class during science over math. Students are also pulled out of their general education classroom to go to a resource room. There they can meet with a special education teacher or intervention teacher to work on specific areas of academic needs.

Consult

A student is placed in a general education classroom, where there may be other students who qualify for special education but the majority are in general education. There is just a general education teacher in the room, who consults with the grade level special education teacher. They discuss what is being taught, how something is taught, and what is expected from a student. They may make changes or modifications to any aspect of a lesson based on the student's unique needs.

Integrated Co-Taught

A student is place in an integrated co-taught classroom, where there are students who qualify for special education and general education. As well as a general education and special education teacher in the same classroom. They work together to best accomidate students who are classified as special education, as well as students who are not. This setting provides an opportunity for students who may be classified as special education (based on their academic history) to get additional support from the special education teacher.

Self  Contained

A student is placed in a self contained classroom, where there are only other students who qualify for special education. There is also only a special education teacher. Often times, there is a teacher's aide and one-to-one aides for students who qualify. The number of students can vary from 12 to 6.