You are here

Understanding, Developing, and Writing Effective IEPs
Share

Understanding, Developing, and Writing Effective IEPs
A Step-by-Step Guide for Educators



April 2007 | 176 pages | Corwin

"The authors tackle an often complex process in an understandable, sequential manner."
—Mary L. Jackson, Resource Teacher
Roosevelt Elementary, Kingsport, TN

Clear, helpful answers for educators involved in developing Individualized Education Programs.

Creating and evaluating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities is a major responsibility for teachers and school leaders, yet the process involves legal components not always understood by educators. In Understanding, Developing, and Writing Effective IEPs, legal and special education experts Roger Pierangelo and George Giuliani provide K–12 educators with a clear step-by-step plan for IEP development that helps guarantee a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restricted Environment (LRE) for students with disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions and a glossary of easy-to-understand special education terminology enable every member of the IEP team to develop a meaningful, functional program that meets a student's unique needs. Aligned with the latest reauthorization of IDEA 2004, this practical resource also includes:

  • Descriptions of the IEP process
  • Sample materials from authentic IEPs
  • Checklists, forms, and reproducibles for planning an effective IEP meeting
  • Guidelines that encourage positive collaboration between educators and families

Ideal for teachers and administrators, this jargon-free text provides techniques, suggestions, and information for all aspects of the IEP process.


 
Preface
Acknowledgments

 
 
About the Authors
 
Introduction
 
1. Foundational Issues in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Introduction

 
Purpose of an IEP

 
13 Principles of IEP Collaboration

 
 
2. IEP Preparation
Preparation Before the IEP Meeting

 
Setting Up the IEP Meeting

 
Giving Notice of an IEP Meeting

 
When an IEP Meeting Must Be Convened

 
Helping Students Prepare

 
Characteristics of an Effective IEP Team Meeting

 
 
3. IEP Participants
IEP Team Members--Roles and Responsibilities

 
Excusal of Team Members

 
Questions and Answers About Other IEP Team-Related Topics

 
 
4. IEP Team Meetings
The Team Process

 
During the Meeting--Focused but Flexible

 
Guidelines for Running the IEP Meeting

 
 
5. Step-by-Step Development of the IEP
Step 1: Formulate a Statement of the Student's Present Level of Academic Achievement of Functional Performance

 
Step 2: Determine the Four Need Areas

 
Step 3: Consideration of Special Factors

 
Step 4: Determination of Measurable Annual Goals (Including Academic and Functional Goals)

 
Step 5: Reporting Progress Toward the Annual Goals to Parents

 
Step 6: Determine the Extent to Which the Student Will Not Be Able to Participate in General Education Programs (LRE Explanation)

 
Step 7: Determine Placement Options

 
Step 8: Determine Related Services

 
Step 9: Determine Program Modifications, Accommodations, Supplementary Aids, and Services

 
Step 10: Determine the Need for Assistive Technology Devices and Services

 
Step 11: Determine the Supports for School Personnel on Behalf of the Student

 
Step 12: Determine the Ability of a Student to Participate in State and District Assessments

 
Step 13: Determine Extended School Year (ESY) Services

 
Step 14: A Statement of Secondary Transition Service Needs and Needed Transition Services for Students

 
Step 15: Develop a Statement of Transfer of Parental Rights to the Student Upon Reaching the Age of Majority

 
Annual Review and Revision of the IEP

 
Recommendations Upon Declassification

 
 
Appendix: Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004--Section on IEPs (Enrolled as Agreed to or Passed by Both House and Senate)
 
Glossary
 
References and Suggested Readings
 
Index

"The authors tackle an often complex process in an understandable, sequential manner."

Mary L. Jackson, Resource Teacher
Roosevelt Elementary, Kingsport, TN

I adopted this for my intro to special education course, however I use it as a resource for all many other courses. VERY clear, easy to read, and comprehensive guide to writing IEPs. Excellent book!

Ms Deb Faermark
College Of Education, National-Louis Univ-Chicago
February 19, 2017

It describes the IEP process clearly and succinctly.

Dr Adrainne Thomas
College of Education, University of Alaska - Southeast
August 18, 2013
Key features
  • Provides a 15-step plan for developing effective IEPs based on the latest reauthorization of IDEA 2004
  • Sample segments of an authentic IEP is utilized throughout the book to serve as exemplars for educators   
  • Checklists and forms are included for preparing for an IEP meeting
  • A Frequently Asked Questions feature about the IEP process provides clear helpful answers for teachers, administrators and family about a sometimes difficult or confusing process.
  • Written for educators and families to provide free and appropriate education (FAPE) interventions in the least restricted environment (LRE) for students with disabilities (co-author Giuliani is a lawyer as well as an educator).
  • A glossary of terms offer definitions of the most relevant IEP jargon that educators and families should understand.

 

Sample Materials & Chapters

Intro & Ch. 1


For instructors

Select a Purchasing Option


Rent or Buy eBook
ISBN: 9781452293271

Paperback
ISBN: 9781412917865
$39.95