The Individualized Education Program (IEP) 

An important part of a  special education teacher’s job is to write effective IEPs for their  students. There are many different components involved in the IEP. The  special education teacher must be able to write all components of the  IEP to be individualized to each student’s unique needs.

Review  the “Individualized Education Program (IEP) Template.” Based on the  “Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance,”  complete the highlighted sections for Lesley’s IEP to include:

• Additional documentation or consideration of special factors
• Three measurable IEP goals
• Accommodations
• Special education services to be provided
• Least restrictive environment

In addition, beneath the IEP template write a 500-750 word rationale for your decisions in the highlighted sections of the IEP.

Support your findings with a minimum of three scholarly resources.

Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) Example 

Summarize Special Education Services the Student is Receiving: 

Lesley was receiving special education services in math calculation,  math problem solving, and written expression under the specific learning  disability eligibility.

Section 2: Evaluation Information 

This information loads from the Most Recent MET. Lesley’s strengths are in Reading. She also has good attendance.

This information loads from the Most Recent MET. Lesley has needs in  the areas of math computation, math problem solving, and written  expression.

This information loads from the Most Recent MET. Other conclusions here may include information related to language proficiency.

The general review of all data would be presented here by the psychologist. The general review 

of all data would be presented here by the special education teacher.

This information loads from the Most Recent MET. The areas of math  and writing will affect Lesley’s progress in the general curriculum.

Areas of Eligibility: 

Special Education Primary Category: Specific learning disability

For students with SLD only, the following area(s) of eligibility was previously determined: 

Written expression, mathematics calculation, mathematics problem solving

Section 3: Present Level of Academic Achievement 

READING 

Lesley enjoys reading and is always reading a book for a leisure activity.

Specific scores from reading assessments or AIMS results can be entered here as well.

Lesley needs to improve her reading out loud in a group setting.

Lesley does not need any accommodations in reading.

WRITING 

Lesley’s handwriting is very legible, but she does not enjoy writing.  She does very well with organizing how an assignment should be set up  with graphic organizers and outlines.

Specific scores from writing assessments or AIMS results can be entered here as well.

Lesley needs to improve her writing in the areas of answering  questions in complete sentences and completing the required amount  (words or pages) for written assignments.

Specific scores from writing assessments or AIMS results can be entered here as well.

Lesley’s only accommodation is that she receives some extra time for completing written assignments/assessments.

MATH 

Lesley does very well with basic math skills and algebra.

Specific scores from math assessments or AIMS results can be entered here as well.

Lesley has a hard time comprehending geometry and the postulates required.

Specific scores from math assessments or AIMS results can be entered here as well.

Lesley has completed her math class in geometry, so this year in  algebra, she should do well and not require any accommodations or  modifications.

Parent’s Input on Student’s Current Academic Achievement: 

Lesley’s parents are very satisfied with her current academic  achievement. They are happy that she is getting good grades in all her  subjects with little support.

Current Classroom-Based Data: 

All of Lesley’s teachers enjoy having her in class, she does complete  assignments in a timely manner and never overextends her allowed extra  time.

Math teacher reports, “Lesley should do just fine in algebra this year, after reviewing her pre-test.”

English teacher reports, “Lesley completes all assignments in a timely manner and is currently receiving a B+.”

Science teacher reports, “If Lesley needs any assistance in class  this year, I will be available and notify her service coordinator of any  issues, so far this year, she is doing well and receiving a B.”

World history teacher reports, “Lesley currently has an A- in my class.”

Child development teacher reports, “Lesley loves this class and is  always wanting to do extra things for the class, she currently has an  A.”

Study skills teacher reports, “Lesley shows up on time and is ready  to complete her homework for her other classes. Other students in the  classroom sometimes distract Lesley, but she has been able to keep her  behavior in check so far this year.”

State and District Assessments: 

Lesley is approaching the standard in reading. In math and writing,  she is falling far below the standard on the AIMS Assessment.

Section 4: Functional Performance 

Social Emotional and Behavior: 

Lesley follows direction well from teachers and adults.

Lesley exhibits inappropriate behavior with friends and classmates at  times. She can be easily distracted and then she becomes upset when she  misses information, resulting in a conflict with either the teacher or a  classmate.

Lesley is able to recognize when she gets anxious and upset, so per  her Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), Lesley is able to leave the  classroom to “cool down.” She may either go to the hall, after telling  the teacher and getting a pass (pre-made), or go to her service  coordinator, counselor, or principal.

Since the BIP has been set up, her attendance to classes where  conflict existed has increased. She does not have any tardies at this  time. Her time outs are self-monitored.

Behavior does significantly and adversely affect the progress in the general curriculum.

Counselor Notes: 

Lesley has come to see me on two occasions this past year to “cool  down.” Each time she was able to explain the situation that upset her  and together we talked through solutions that she then carried out.

Physical Development: 

Lesley’s only health concern is her asthma, which can, at times,  limit her ability to participate in physical activity. She takes  medication for both asthma and depression. The depression medication can  sometimes make her feel drowsy. Lesley should have no needs in this  area.

Communications: 

Lesley can communicate well verbally, she struggles with oral presentations in front of a group.

Parent’s Input on Student’s Current Functional Achievement: 

Lesley’s parents are impressed with Lesley’s functional achievement  as it relates to behavior. Since the BIP has been established,  understood by Lesley and her teachers, her days at school have been a  lot better.

Transition: 

Student expressed an interest in the following career areas: 

Lesley is interested in either teaching or counseling as a profession.

Student’s job preference at this time is: 

Lesley currently works in the district based preschool program as an assistant to the teacher.

Independent Living Skills: 

Lesley is able to take care of herself and others. She has her  driver’s license and has her own car for transportation. She has a bank  account where she deposits her checks. She currently monitors her own  medications for depression/anxiety.

Environmental Access/Mobility: 

Lesley has adequate access to her community. She is involved in her  church and helping out in the Sunday school classes with preschool aged  children.

Self-Determination/Self-Advocacy Skills: 

Lesley is fairly assertive, she seems to say “yes” to every request,  and then overwhelms herself at times. She needs to work on communication  with adults and employers.

Sources of information regarding transition: 

Student Interview; Work Experience

Summary of Work Habits: 

Lesley attends a study skills class daily that allows her the  opportunity to complete homework, organize her agenda and ask the  teacher questions related to homework and her goals. She also can work  on the computer in this class and research careers and interests.

Lesley learns best in a classroom environment with activities that she can see and work on independently or in a group setting.

She can use a computer well and uses her agenda daily to help her organize school and work.

Test taking can require a little extra time for Lesley.

Section 5: Summary of Educational Needs 

Based on the information from the current multidisciplinary  evaluation, academic achievement, functional performance, and transition  based data (if applicable), the IEP team has determined that the  student has educational needs in the following areas:

Math calculation, math problem solving, written expression, counseling

Clarification: Math calculation and math reasoning services will not  be provided for Lesley this year, as the team has agreed that she has  completed the math class and that she struggles with geometry. If any  needs arise, an IEP addendum can be prepared to accommodate her with  these areas.

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