An individualized education program (IEP) is a plan that is worked out in collaboration with parents and in response to an assessment of a student's special needs and abilities. It describes the student's learning style, ways of expressing what he has learned and the means that teachers and other staff will use to improve the student's learning experience. In an inclusive classroom, the IEP is used to set goals for a student's involvement and participation, measure progress and assign specific tasks for completion.
The involvement of peers is an important part of active learning, which is essential to the functioning of an inclusive classroom. In-class partnerships and groups balancing a range of abilities can be utilized to help foster collaboration and understanding of different needs. Higher functioning students can also benefit from being in a helping relationship with their peers.
Updating the now-disproven theory of "learning styles," differentiated instruction takes into account variations in students' background knowledge, interests, readiness and preferences. Inclusive classrooms require the teacher to respond with flexibility to the range of needs and abilities represented in the classroom, beginning with pre-assessment and continuing through the implementation of curriculum.
Collaboration between teachers and support staff, such as aides, teaching assistants and behavioral counselors, is essential for a functioning inclusive classroom. Teachers should be able to call on resource specialists for help with students with particular disabilities (for instance, those who are blind or lack motor skills) and delegate tasks such as providing instruction materials to aides. Outside the classroom, collaborative relationships must be maintained with parents and the broader school community.