Teachers, gain confidence in your IEP knowledge and skills this summer! Ensure all of your students have access to the education they deserve.

<p>
 What is an IEP? How does the IEP process work? Who makes up the IEP team? Who attends 
 IEP meetings? How will IEPs impact your daily responsibilities as an educator? Whether 
 you're an educational professional about to embark on your first school year or a 
 seasoned veteran seeking a quick refresher, it's critical to have a solid 
 understanding of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and how they work. 
 Once the school year begins, it can quickly become a whirlwind of activity, 
 leaving little time to study the process. Summer is perfect for brushing up on 
 your IEP skills and knowledge. Understanding IEPs will help you feel confident 
 in providing tailored educational strategies for your students, ensuring each 
 child has access to the inclusive and effective learning environment they 
 deserve.
</p>
<h2>About IEP Training and Exposure</h2>
<p>If you're new to the field of education, your exposure to the IEP process has 
  likely come through your special education coursework, field experiences, 
  professional development opportunities, and mentor relationships. These 
  valuable educational pathways can give you a rudimentary understanding of 
  the process. However, it may take time and experience to understand how IEPs 
  work on a deeper level. Below, we'll answer some commonly asked questions and 
  provide a high-level overview of IEPs. If you want to dig deeper, consider 
  exploring some of the following topics around IEPs (with the resources we've 
  provided to help you do just that!):
</p>

<ul>
  <li><strong> IDEA Regulations:</strong> To familiarize yourself with the detailed 
  legal requirements under the <a href="https://sites.ed.gov/idea/" target="_blank">Individuals with Disabilities Education Act</a> 
  (IDEA) and how it impacts IEPs, visit the federal government's Individuals with 
  Disabilities Education Act page.
  </li>
  <li><strong>IEP Evidence-Based Practices:</strong> To get free, engaging instructional 
  and behavioral practices designed to support the needs of all students, especially 
  those with disabilities, visit the <a href="https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/" target="_blank">IRIS Center</a>.
  </li>
  <li><strong>IEP Tools:</strong> To get resources, including IEP meeting scripts, 
  assistive technology info, caseload management templates, present levels of 
  performance, IEP accommodations, IEP goals, and much more, visit the 
  <a href="https://exceptionalchildren.org/topics/individualized-education-programs-ieps" target="_blank">Council 
  for Exceptional Children</a>.
  </li>
</ul>

<h2>IEP Overview</h2>
<p>Navigating the intricacies of the IEP process can feel overwhelming for new 
  teachers, especially those with special education students on their caseloads. 
  Investing some time in reading through the above resources can go a long way 
  toward boosting your confidence. In the meantime, even this high-level overview 
  can help. Here are some of the most common questions educational professionals 
  have regarding IEPs, along with answers:
</p>

<h3>What is an IEP?</h3>
<p>An <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/special-education-resources-to-share-with-parents-at-iep-meetings" target="_blank">
Individualized Education Program</a> (IEP) is a legal document tailored to 
  each public school student who needs special education services. Sometimes, 
  you'll hear people call IEPs Individualized Education Plans, but they are the 
  same document. The IEP delineates the specific special education supports, 
  services, and instruction the student needs to help them have access to the 
  curriculum according to the 
  <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/what-school-ots-need-to-know" target="_blank">
  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. </a>
</p>

<h3>Who is on a student's IEP team?</h3>
<p>Each student with an IEP has their very own IEP team. Members of the student's 
  IEP team can include special education teachers, general education teachers, 
  school administrators, school psychologists, guidance counselors, speech-language 
  pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, teacher aides, 
  paraprofessionals, behavior specialists, school nurses, 
  <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/special-education-resources-to-share-with-parents-at-iep-meetings" target="_blank">parents</a>, 
  and sometimes, even the student. Each team member brings expertise and insights 
  to ensure the IEP meets the student's needs.
</p>

<h3>What happens during IEP meetings?</h3>
<p> During IEP meetings, the IEP team reviews the student's progress, evaluates 
  their needs and updates the IEP with current goals, services and accommodations. 
  The team works together to support the student's unique educational requirements 
  to help foster their development and success in the academic environment and beyond.
</p>

<h3>What should IEP team members bring to the IEP meeting?</h3>
<p> When attending IEP meetings, IEP team members should bring work samples, 
  assessment data, progress reports, notes and observations that can help update 
  the team on the student's progress and needs. IEP team members should always bring 
  a positive, solution-based mindset and be prepared to work together in what can 
  sometimes be a challenging environment. 
</p>

<h3>How does a teacher use an IEP?</h3>
<p>Teachers and other educational professionals use IEPs by incorporating the 
  students' accommodations and modifications into their lesson plans. Educators 
  also must adapt their instructional approach to support the student's learning 
  needs. They collect data, monitor progress toward meeting IEP goals, and meet 
  with other IEP team members to ensure the students' IEP is updated and effective.
</p>

<h3>As a new educator, how can I learn more about IEPs?</h3>
<p>If you're new, you can start by exploring the online resources above. You can 
  also sign up for professional development opportunities, including webinars, 
  workshops and courses on IEPs: check out professional development courses offered 
  by the 
  <a href="https://www.naset.org/career-center/professional-development-program-pdp/pdp-menu/pdp-professional-development-courses" target="_blank">
  National Association of Special Education Teachers</a> (NASET), with topics 
  including IEP overview, development, transition services, and more. You can always 
  ask your colleagues, special education coordinators, administrators and support 
  staff when you have questions. 
</p>

<h2>Strengthen Your IEP Knowledge to Start the School Year with Confidence!</h2>
<p> Understanding IEPs will help you implement them effectively and support your 
  students' success. As an educator, you've taken on a challenging role with massive 
  responsibilities but great rewards. Part of your job is to ensure each child has 
  access to the curriculum and is supported in their academic, social and emotional 
  development. As a valuable member of the IEP team, you'll be able to contribute to 
  a group of adults who care about each child's success – and after all, that's a 
  big part of why you've chosen this journey. 
</p>

<h2>Seeking a Meaningful New Path in Your Education Career?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/education" target="_blank">Begin your adventure here.</a></p>


Boost Your IEP Knowledge and Skills This Summer