Definition - What does Individualized Education Plan mean?
An individual education plan (IEP) is a document created for children enrolled in special education services in the public school system. The IEP works with the child's learning needs, laying out their learning goals along with strategies to meet those goals. This plan is often used as a starting point as children transition to college, vocational training, or other adult services designed to help secure gainful employment.
The document is created in collaboration with teachers, parents, social support workers, school supervisory staff, and any others involved in the child's educational and behavioral needs. It can also be called an Individualized Education Program.
SureHire explains Individualized Education Plan
Once an IEP is created for a child, it then becomes a working document which needs to be reviewed routinely. It documents the child's progress and, when needed, suggestions to implement changes are included. Suggested changes may include a shift in the strategies used or changes in the goals set up.
When the child meets the expectations laid out in the IEP successfully, the review committee then sets up new goals and strategies to advocate progress in the future.
IEPs may be very different in the strategies and accommodations available than the accommodations available in a college or work setting. However, IEPs can be used as starting points for adult and vocational services to assist in creating vocational training, transition plans, and individual evaluations and placements.
