• SPECIAL EDUCATION
    Individual Education Plan (IEP)

    An IEP is developed at an IEP meeting in which students and parents are invited to actively participate as IEP team members. The written IEP

    • describes the student’s special needs
    • describes student progress and defines goals in the following areas: academic, behavioral and transitional
    • explains how the student, school, and parents will work together to meet these goals
    • is an offer of District services, not a guarantee that goals and objectives will be accomplished

    THE IEP MEETING

    Purpose – The meeting is usually one of the following: an initial review for special education services (including eligibility); an annual review: a three year review; change of educational placement; etc.

    Who Attends – Those in attendance include teachers (special education and general education), parents, the student, a school administrator, others as needed such as a counselor, school psychologist, etc.

    What to Bring – Participants bring knowledge of the student’s accommodations and progress, samples of the student’s recent work and questions for staff.

    Confidentiality – All information covered in the meeting is confidential.

    ACCOMMODATIONS vs. MODIFICATIONS

    During the IEP meeting it is decided whether or not a student needs accommodations or modifications to reach the IEP goals. The difference between the two is as follows:

    ACCOMMODATIONS

    • Working with regular curriculum and standards
    • Does not change the content of the course
    • Does not fundamentally alter or lower the standard or expectation of the course, standard, or test.
    • Student will earn regular credit for course and is eligible for a high school diploma

    MODIFICATIONS

    • Altering the curriculum to match individual needs
    • May change the content of the course
    • Fundamentally alters or lowers the standard or expectation of the course, standard, or test
    • Student will earn “Modified” credit and may not be able to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) or other graduation requirements.