What is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement specifically tailored for each child with a disability. This document outlines the unique educational needs of the student and includes information such as the child's current levels of performance, specific educational goals, the services and support required to meet those goals, and how progress will be measured.

The IEP is a crucial component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education that meets their individual needs. The development of the IEP involves a team approach, including educators, specialists, and the child's parents, who work collaboratively to create a program that supports the child's learning and development in the best way possible.

Considering the other options, they do not capture the specific and legally required nature of an IEP. While a plan for average students’ educational needs may address general instructional strategies, it lacks the individualized focus necessary for students with disabilities. An informal classroom guideline is typically not formalized or documented in the way an IEP is, and a summary of a student's grades does not address the educational needs or supports required for disabled students.