HP SEPAG
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
General Information
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that ensures students with disabilities receive tailored support to meet their unique educational needs. The IEP is developed by a team of educators, parents, and other professionals who assess the student’s strengths and areas of need. Based on this evaluation, the team outlines specific goals, accommodations, and services to help the student succeed in school.
The IEP guarantees that students with disabilities receive a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE), meaning students are educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent possible. It also includes services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, or specialized academic support if needed, and these services are designed to ensure that the student can access and make progress in the general education curriculum.
In New Jersey, IEPs must be reviewed at least annually, and adjustments can be made as the student’s needs evolve. The process is meant to be collaborative, ensuring that parents and guardians are actively involved in decisions regarding their child’s education.
For more information, you can visit the New Jersey Department of Education’s IEP and Special Education services page:
https://www.state.nj.us/education/specialed/
Highland Park School District Referral, Evaluation, and Classification Process
Resources for creating IEP goals
How to write "SMART" IEP goals (Specific, Measurable, use Action words, Realistic and relevant, Time-limited)
Long Term Goals, Short Term Objectives and Behavioral Objectives (National Association of Special Education Teachers)
IEP Goal Bank (A Day in Our Shoes)
IEP Goal Bank (AutismEducators.com)
How to organize your IEP Binder at home - Organize an IEP binder with your child's evaluation reports, IEPs, report cards, and other paperwork effectively.