The Individualized Education Program (IEP) was established under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As per 34 CFR §§ 300.320, individualized education program or IEP is a written statement for a child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with §§ 300.320 through 300.324.
An IEP will include a statement of the child’s level of academic achievement and functional performance, measurable annual goals, a description of how the child’s progress towards the goals will be measured and periodic progress reports, a statement of which supplementary services will be provided and any appropriate individual accommodations for state assessments.
According to the New York State Education Department, an IEP identifies a student’s unique needs and how the school will strategically address those needs. It identifies how specially designed instruction will be provided in the context of supporting students in general education curriculum and in reaching the same learning standards as non-disabled students.
To receive an IEP, a public agency will propose conducting an initial evaluation to determine if the child qualifies and parental consent is required for the initial evaluation, the provision of services, and reevaluation. Reevaluations of each child with a disability are conducted by the relevant public agency at least once every three years but not more than once a year unless the parent and the agency agree otherwise.
[Last updated in June of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]