What is the primary purpose of an Individual Education Plan (IEP)?

The primary purpose of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is to describe a child's learning needs and the specific services required to support those needs. An IEP is a tailored document developed for each student with disabilities, ensuring that the educational program is designed to meet their unique challenges and strengths. It includes detailed information about the child’s current performance levels, specific educational goals, accommodations, and modifications necessary for their success in school. The IEP aims to facilitate access to an appropriate education that is specially designed to meet the individual requirements of the student.

While promoting parental involvement, ensuring compliance with federal laws, and providing a general education outline are important aspects of the educational process, they do not capture the central function of the IEP. Ultimately, the IEP is focused on detailing how to address a child’s specific learning needs effectively.