Writing an Individualized Education Plan

page 4

Annual Goals

After the team agrees on where your son is they should move on to where he should be a year from now. Parents should be vigilant about the team trying to set too low an expectation of your child's educational performance. Children can often do much more if they think we believe they can do it. It should not be too hard for example to expect 1 1/2 years progress in reading if a child is 4 years behind in reading. If we expect only say 3 months progress in a year's time that is not progress. It means the child in reality slips 6 months more behind his peers. With true measurements of his present levels of performance and a measurable goal written the team moves on to Short Term Objectives. The year needs to be broken down into stepping stones. Your son will need to understand basic phonics before he can move on to blends, which will lead to two syllable words. (A rough example). Each objective must also state what objective instruments, or tests, will be used when measuring progress. It must also include the target date for attaining that particular objective. Remember our race at the beginning of this article? Everything must be measurable.

Other supports and services

Then the team needs to look at what supports your child will need to attain that goal. Will he need extra time with a resource person? Will he need assistance from a computer to complete written assignments? Will he need speech therapy to express himself more fully? (Just examples). Also in the new law is a requirement that the IEP include a list of the supports the teacher will need to be successful with your son. Does she have a basic understanding of the disabilities? Will he or she need to attend a special workshop on your child's disability? Will he or she need special training in multi-sensory teaching techniques? Will an administrator be in regular contact, say once a week to see if other supports or equipment is needed, and to check on your child's progress?

Click here to see how the IEP should wrap up.

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