What is the benefit of the Individualized Education Program being a legally binding document?

• A. It ensures students are in a free public school
• B. It guarantees grades will improve
• C. It obligates schools to follow educational goals and services agreed upon
• D. It allows teachers discretion in making accommodations

Answer: (C)

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) serves as a legally binding document that creates specific obligations for schools regarding a student's education. When an IEP is developed and agreed upon, it outlines tailored educational goals, services, and accommodations that are designed to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability. This legal binding nature ensures that schools must comply with the terms set forth in the IEP, thereby promoting accountability and ensuring that students receive the necessary support to access education effectively.

This requirement is crucial because it holds educational institutions responsible for providing the resources and strategies agreed upon in the IEP, fostering a structured environment where the individual needs of the student are prioritized. Such accountability is vital in supporting the educational growth and development of students who may otherwise be at a disadvantage without these mandated services.

Contrasting this with the other options, being in a free public school, guaranteed improvement in grades, or the allowance for teacher discretion do not encapsulate the primary intent and function of the IEP as a legally binding document. While these may be beneficial aspects of an education system, they do not address the essential obligation schools have under the law to provide the specific educational supports and services outlined in the IEP.