The IEP and Me "It's My Life, it's My Plan."

The IEP is:

• An Individualized Education Program
  
• A written document that describes your educational plan
• A plan for the future, talks about your strengths and needs, what help is needed to be successful.
• A plan that sets goals for your education.

Why do Students Need and IEP?

• It's the law. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires each student who receives special education services to have an IEP.
• It helps the school meet your special needs as you work to be successful. It helps you plan educational goals for yourself.

Where is the IEP made?

• The IEP is developed during an IEP meeting where people concerned about your education meet, discuss, and develop your goals and objectives for the next year.

Who comes to the IEP meeting?

• You
• Your Parents
• Your teachers
• Counselors
• Principals
• Others you or the school think can help plan your program

How often is the IEP meeting held?

• IDEA requires at least one IEP meeting each year.
• You, your parents, or the school can ask for more IEP meetings if any of you think it's needed.

What should I do if I want to participate in my IEP meeting?

• Talk with your parents and teachers.
• Review last year's IEP.
• Think about your strengths, concerns, needs and what helps you to be successful.
• Write some goals for yourself for the coming year.
• Practice what you want to say at your meeting.

Why should I attend my IEP meetings?

• It is YOUR educational program everyone will be discussing. Your opinions are a very important part of this discussion. It is YOUR FUTURE everyone is talking about.