Developing and Implementing Individualized Education Programs to Ensure Student Progress

Abstract

This chapter provides information, tips, and techniques to ensure special educators have appropriate understanding of the purpose of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and their role in developing individualized education programs (IEPs) that ensure students with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and make progress toward appropriately ambitious goals. After reading, educators will (1) better understand the history and purpose of the IDEA to guarantee civil rights for individuals with disabilities; (2) understand the procedural, substantive, and implementation requirements to ensure students with disabilities have access to FAPE; and (3) learn strategies for developing IEPs that address the IDEA FAPE requirements.