Preparing an IEP

What is an IEP?

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a recorded plan. It is developed by the student, parent and teachers describing the special education program and/or services required by a particular student, based on a thorough assessment of the student’s strengths and stretches that affect the student’s ability to demonstrate learning. Typically an IEP is created once a student has received an assessment and a designation from the Ministry of Education. As a resource teacher, you will meet with parents, the student, classroom teachers, administration and any other important personnel when writing an IEP for a student. An IEP is only created when a student as received a designation. An SSP (student support plan) can be created for a student who does not have a ministry designation but requires extra support at school. An IEP is required to be able to provide proper supports, structure and teaching strategies so that the student is able to be successful in their educational journey. The IEP is meant to provide practical goals for a student that should be achievable with the proper supports and strategies. IEP goals and objectives should change over a student's time in the schooling system so that they are working towards developing new skills and abilities.

YCDSB (2015)

For more information on IEPs vs SSPs, check out the Surrey Districts Guidebook here: IEPs and SSPs: A Guidebook for Surrey Schools

Creating an IEP

An individual education plan (IEP) is a document developed for a student with special needs that describes individualized goals, adaptations, Modifications, the services to be provided, and includes measures for tracking achievement. An IEP must have one or more of the following:

the goals or outcomes set for that student for that school year where they are different from the learning standards and/or outcomes set out in an applicable Educational Program Guide; or
a list of the support services required to achieve goals established for the student; or
a list of the Adaptations to educational materials, instructional strategies or assessment methods”

Special Education - Province of British Columbia, Procedures related to the policy planning section

Legislation and Policy Glossary (2022)

Creating an IEP

An IEP should also include the following:

• the present levels of educational performance of the student;

• the setting where the educational program is to be provided;

• the names of all personnel who will be providing the educational program and the support services for the student during the school year;

• the period of time and process for review of the IEP;

• evidence of evaluation or review, which could include revisions made to the plan and the tracking of achievement in relation to goals; and

• plans for the next transition point in the student's education (including transitions beyond school completion).

Special Education (2016)

Resources for Creating an IEP

IEP Goal Chart by Shelley Moore on blogsomemoore

A Resource Guide for Teachers for IEP Planning by the BC Government

Here are some helpful resources for finding resources for your IEP:

Teaching Strategies for Students with Special Needs by OTF Teachers’ Gateway to Special Education

IEP Planning for Students with Special Needs; A Resource Guide for Teachers (pp. 12–15) by BC Ministry of Education

Ultimate List of IEP Accommodations, Modifications and Strategies (SDIs) and Specially Designed Instruction Examples, Sensory Strategies from A Day in Our Shoes

The Future of IEPs: Compentency-Based

It's important to note that most districts, if not all districts, in British Columbia are moving towards using Compentency-Based IEPs in schools. I would recommend practicing writing an IEP with the competency-based template to get as familiar with it as possible.

Here's a link for more information about Comptency-Based IEPs: https://onq.queensu.ca/content/enforced/685797-CONT904005S22/M%205.2%20Competency-Based-Inclusive-Education-Plans.pdf?ou=685797

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Preparing an IEP

What is an IEP?

Creating an IEP

Creating an IEP

Resources for Creating an IEP

Here are the two types of IEPs that we use here in British Columbia:

Here are the templates you will need to create an IEP here in British Columbia:

Here are some helpful resources for IEP goals and objectives:

Here are some helpful resources for finding resources for your IEP:

The Future of IEPs: Compentency-Based