1. Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP)
- A description of the child's current academic achievement and functional performance, including strengths and weaknesses
2. Annual Goals
- A statement of measurable annual goals for the child that are aligned with the state's content standards and the child's IEP team's expectations
3. Special Education and Related Services
- A description of the specific special education and related services that the child will receive to help them make progress toward their annual goals
4. Participation in State and District Assessments
- A statement of whether the child will participate in state and district assessments and, if not, an explanation of why not
5. Accommodations and Modifications
- A description of any accommodations or modifications that the child will need in order to participate in general education classes and activities
6. Transition Services
- A statement of the transition services that the child will need to prepare for life after high school, beginning at age 14 or younger
7. Procedural Safeguards
- A statement of the child's and their parents' rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including the right to appeal any decisions made about the child's education
Additional components that may be included in an IEP, depending on the individual child's needs, include:
- Extended School Year Services: A description of any extended school year services that the child will receive beyond the regular school year to help them maintain and generalize the skills they have learned
- Assistive Technology: a description of any assistive technology devices or services that the child will need and use on a regular basis
The IEP is a critical document that outlines the child's educational needs and how they will be met. It is important for parents to be involved in the IEP process and to ensure that the IEP is developed in collaboration with the child's teachers, related service providers, and other team members.