Federal law requires that the IEP have a statement describing how the child’s progress will be measured.

      An important reason for making sure your child’s IEP goals and objectives are measurable is to hold the school accountable for how they are working with your child. It is very difficult to establish that the child has not made progress with vague wording. When the goals are specific, observable and measurable, the parents have a system of keeping up with their child’s progress. The IEP must also list how the child’s parents will be informed of their child’s progress toward the annual goals. Use this checklist to build a good IEP for your child.

I.E.P. Checklist:

·         You have a copy of all evaluations and other related documents prior to the IEP

·         Evaluation data was discussed. Was the data for the following areas written: academic skills, nonacademic skills, communication skills, social/behavior skills, assistive technology

·         Measurable and observable annual goals

·         Measurable short-term objectives or benchmarks were written. Goals and objectives were based on your child’s individual educational needs. A method for measuring your child’s progress (at least as often as nondisabled peers) was established.

·         A target date for the completion of each objective was established.

·         A statement described the special education and related services to be provided.

·         Modifications, and supplementary aids and services were specified (so your child can participate in the general curriculum with his/her nondisabled peers).

·         Time your child will receive each instructional service and related service was noted. This includes minutes per session and frequency of sessions. This also includes related aids the

·         teacher will need to enable the child to participate in the general curriculum.

·         Date when all services will begin was established.

·         Person responsible for implementing each service in the IEP was identified.

·         Placement was based on goals, objectives, supplementary aids and services.

·         A statement describing how your child will be educated and participate with other children with and without disabilities.

·         Your child’s participation in statewide testing was clarified. Transition, if appropriate, was discussed.

·         Get a signed copy of the IEP minutes prior to leaving the meeting.                 

If you have not every taken the time the read the Procedural Safeguards or if has been a while since you last read it, please read it.  It contains a wealth of information parents need to maintain a clear understanding of what your rights are as parent and the rights of your child.  This equals EMPOWERMENT!

Visit ed.gov or tea.gov for all the latest in education information