What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

• A. A plan for student assessment and evaluation
• B. A written plan that outlines special education services for a student with a disability
• C. A strategy for classroom management
• D. A guideline for creating lesson plans for all students

Answer: (B)

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written document that specifically outlines the educational plan for a student with a disability. It serves as a personalized plan tailored to meet the unique needs of the student, detailing the special education services, accommodations, and modifications that the student requires in order to succeed in their educational environment. The IEP is developed collaboratively by a team that typically includes the student's parents, teachers, and special education professionals.

The importance of the IEP lies in its legal foundation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that is designed to meet their individual needs. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the student's progress and changing needs, ensuring that the educational strategies remain effective.

The other options do not capture the specific purpose and function of an IEP. While assessment plans and classroom management strategies are important aspects of education, they do not focus solely on the individualized needs of students with disabilities, which is the core of the IEP. Similarly, guidelines for creating lesson plans are more general and not tailored to the individual requirements of a student with a disability.