Module 8: Reading an IEP

Objectives

  • Understand Special Factors: What are they and what do they indicate?
  • Learn how IEP goals are determined.
  • Explore the services offered for FAPE.

Video & Transcript

Introduction

Once you have clarified all of the testing, goals will now be created that your child will work to achieve throughout the support needed.  Goals will help the support teachers that work with your child know exactly what your child needs in order to be successful.  If testing shows your child needs speech support for word retrieval, a goal will be made with the team around word retrieval and the person responsible, in this case the Speech and Language Pathologist, will be listed as the support provider. Goals will include weak areas with a plan to get your child on target with their peers. Goals will often be accompanied by a few short term objectives. You will also learn about FAPE which is an acronym that stands for Free Appropriate Public Education. This will explain the location where your child will receive their services.

Resources

Please explore at least one of the resources below to better understand your student’s IEP, IEP goals and FAPE.

   Read Something

   Listen to Something

   Watch Something

  • Listen to this podcast,  IEP Goal Writing for Parents, to learn more. This process can be stressful for parents. Lean on the education experts to help you create meaningful goals that will support your student in further education, employment, and independent living. Listen as this podcast give you three steps to ensure your child's goals prepare them for the future.

Discussion Prompts

  1. What types of goals should you expect to see on your child’s IEP?
  2. What information can parents expect to learn about their child during this part of the meeting?
  3. Explain the importance of FAPE.

Self-Assessment