IEP Basics
This document is a legally binding plan that outlines a student's specialized instruction and supports.
What is an IEP?
Giving extra time on a test is an example of this.
What is an accommodation?
Before an IEP meeting, you should complete this and respond to the Google Calendar invitation.
What is your teacher input (meeting notes)?
A student has small-group testing listed in their IEP, and you are giving a quiz this week. You should do this.
What is provide the accommodation? OR contact the case manager to set up the support before the day of the quiz?
If a student has an IEP, every assignment must be modified.
What is a myth?
Discussion: Most students receive accommodations, not modifications.
Only the special education teacher is responsible for implementing IEP accommodations.
What is a myth?
This team member should be your first point of contact when you have concerns about a student receiving special education services.
Who is the case manager?
Changing grade-level expectations or reducing what a student is expected to learn is this.
What is a modification?
If you're concerned about a student's progress or accommodations, this is who you should contact first.
Who is the case manager?
A parent emails you with concerns about an IEP. Your first step should be this.
What is involve the case manager?
A student can qualify for special education simply because they are significantly behind academically.
What is a myth?
Discussion: Eligibility requires a disability and a need for specially designed instruction.
Providing an accommodation to every student in your classroom is allowed.
What is a fact?
Discussion: Many accommodations (flexible seating, graphic organizers, chunking, extra think time) are examples of good instructional practice and can benefit all students.
Federal law requires at least one of these teachers to participate in every IEP meeting.
Who is a general education teacher?
Reading directions aloud without changing what the student is expected to know is this.
What is an accommodation?
These must be implemented consistently, even when there is a substitute teacher.
What are accommodations?
An IEP provides access and support, but it does not guarantee this.
What is passing the class (or earning good grades)?
A student may receive accommodations that are not listed in their IEP if the teacher believes they are helpful.
What is a myth?
Discussion: Universal classroom supports are fine, but IEP accommodations should be implemented as written. Permanent changes should go through the IEP team.
If a student has an accommodation for extended time, every assignment must be completed with unlimited time.
What is a myth?
Discussion: Accommodations should be implemented as intended and appropriate to the task—they don't necessarily mean "unlimited time."
This law guarantees students with disabilities a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
What is IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)?
This type of support changes how a student learns—not what they learn.
What is an accommodation?
A student transfers into your class with an IEP. One of your first responsibilities is to do this.
What is review the IEP snapshot and collaborate with the case manager if there are any questions?
A student chooses not to use extended time on a classroom assignment. In most cases, they may do this.
What is declining an accommodation?
Students can choose not to use accommodations depending on the situation, such as certain state assessments or safety-related supports, where different rules may apply.
A student with an IEP can earn failing grades if they are not meeting course expectations, even when accommodations are provided.
What is a fact?
Discussion: IEPs provide access—not guaranteed success.
A student may have a disability but not qualify for special education.
What is a fact?
Discussion: The disability must adversely affect educational performance and require specially designed instruction.
This educational principle means students should be educated with their nondisabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate.
What is Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?
This type of support changes the curriculum or learning expectations.
What is a modification?
This is one of the most important responsibilities of a general education teacher because they are the content expert and know how the student performs in the general education curriculum.
What is providing meaningful input during the IEP process?
Discussion: General education teachers are such valuable members of the IEP team because of their perspective and expertise in the curriculum/content.
A student isn't benefiting from their current accommodations. Rather than removing them, your next step should be this.
What is work with the case manager to review and problem-solve?
A student who is struggling in class should be referred for special education before trying general education interventions.
What is a myth?
Discussion: High-quality instruction and interventions should be implemented first. Special education is not the first intervention.
A student's IEP accommodations should only be used during testing.
What is a myth?
Discussion: Accommodations should be used consistently during daily instruction so students know how to use them effectively—not just during tests.