An IEP or Individualized Education Program is a written document
outlining a specific, measurable education plan for a child with
a disability. This plan must be specific and individualized to
that particular child’s disabilities and learning needs. While
states and local school districts adopt different IEP forms and
strategies, some federal guidelines must be met. Local school
districts must organize an IEP team meeting that includes school
administrators and parents to develop and plan the
implementation of an IEP. The IEP must be reviewed and updated
at least annually, and before students receive services. Some
states have standardized IEP forms, while others don’t have any
standard IEP form. Local school districts are then responsible
for creating their own IEP forms. While some local districts
will coordinate across the state, most districts only briefly
reference any previous IEPs and start fresh with their own
forms. A good IEP should contain the student’s demographics,
disability information, and pre