What are the two main components included in an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document designed to ensure that a child with a disability receives personalized education services tailored to their unique needs. The two main components of an IEP are a statement of the child’s performance levels and measurable annual goals.

The statement of the child's performance levels provides a comprehensive overview of the student's current academic and functional performance, serving as the baseline for planning educational interventions and supports. This information helps educators understand the child’s strengths and challenges, which is critical for developing appropriate strategies to support their learning.

Measurable annual goals are crucial because they outline specific, quantifiable objectives that the child is expected to achieve over the course of the year. These goals are designed to be tailored to address the child’s unique needs based on their performance levels. The use of measurable objectives allows for tracking progress over time and ensures accountability, both for educators and for the child, within the educational process.

In summary, these two components play a central role in the IEP by guiding the educational programming and ensuring it aligns with the child's specific needs and potential for growth.