Individual Education Plans

Individual Education Plans(IEP), sometimes referred to as an Individual Program Plan, is a written plan between the school, the teachers, the gifted child and the parents.

This IEP provides the child with an idea of what the school and teachers plan to do for him outside the regular classroom curriculum.

It is a combined effort, developed to address the specific needs of an individual student.

Parents play an important role in its development. They are asked for information about their child including personality traits, goals, strengths and needs.

Some things that might be included:

-level child is working at

-how is progress determined

-goals and objectives

-transition information

-review progress at regular scheduled times

-end of year summary.

The Individual Education Plan contains both long and short term goals. Parents are often asked for their ideas on what they expect their child to gain from it.

Meeting with the teacher throughout the year gives parents time to discuss concerns and share information.

Review the IEP by asking questions such as:

-how are my child's needs detemined?

-is the IEP focused enough?

-how often is progress checked?

-has this type of plan been used successfully with other gifted children?

-are their specific things geared towards my child?

Learn about IEP's and ask how your child will benefit. It should not be a piece of paper sitting in a desk somewhere.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Many parents feel that they will be viewed as annoying or demanding. However, no one can look out for the needs of your child better than you.

There are ways of asking questions and getting things done that don't put the teacher on the offensive. This is the best approach.

Remember, the IEP should be a specific detailed plan of action that is concerned with the needs of your child and clearly states what will be done.

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