What is an IEP?
If you’re coming into the world of special education, you might be going into (or coming out of) your credentialing program. You might have heard the mention of IEPs or Individualized Education Plans (Programs). You might have even searched the Internet to look it up. If you’re scratching your head on what it really is in plain terms, you’ve come to the right place!
Ok... so what is an IEP???
The plainest way I can explain it is that an IEP is a contract between the school and the student/family that explains how the student will receive education under the special education umbrella. This means that, when all parties have signed, the school and staff must provide education within the guidelines of the IEP.
Can parents or guardians sue if the contract is broken?
Yes.
The parents can absolutely take the school district or responsible agency to court should the IEP not be followed. The parents can subpoena members of the IEP team, school district members, and use any documents related to the IEP to show how the school is out of compliance.