Free Grace’s guide to Special education

Download this free resource below!

coming soon

A detailed course describing and explaining the IEP process and documents coming soon! Keep an eye out and subscribe to our email list below to receive updates.

This course will include:

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    Detailed descriptions and explanations of each section of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

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    Navigation through the initial special education process

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    An overview of a PLAAFP (Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance)

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    A breakdown of goals, how they are written, and what is to be expected from them

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    An explanation of a typical FIE (Full Indidivual Evaluation) and it's components

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    Legal framework and explanations of how each part is linked to the special education process

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Special education under IDEA provides specialized instruction and services for students with significant disabilities, while Section 504 ensures access to general education through accommodations for students with disabilities that do not require special education.

  • Eligibility for special education is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process. This involves assessments by various professionals (e.g., psychologists, educators, speech therapists) to identify the student's strengths and needs. Parents or guardians, teachers, and other school staff collaborate to review the student’s academic performance, developmental history, and any other relevant information. If the evaluation indicates that the student has a disability that adversely affects their educational performance, they may qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

  • An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document developed for each student who qualifies for special education services. It outlines the student’s specific educational needs, goals, and the services and supports they will receive. The IEP is created by a team that includes the student’s parents or guardians, teachers, school administrators, and sometimes the student. It is reviewed and updated annually to ensure that it continues to meet the student’s needs.

  • Under IDEA, disabilities that may qualify a student for special education services include, but are not limited to:

    • Specific Learning Disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia)

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder

    • Emotional Disturbance

    • Intellectual Disabilities

    • Speech or Language Impairments

    • Hearing Impairments (including deafness)

    • Visual Impairments (including blindness)

    • Orthopedic Impairments

    • Traumatic Brain Injury

    • Other Health Impairments (e.g., ADHD, chronic health conditions)

  • Parents play a crucial role in the special education process. They can get involved by:

    • Participating in meetings to develop and review the IEP.

    • Providing input about their child's needs, strengths, and challenges.

    • Advocating for appropriate services and supports.

    • Collaborating with teachers and specialists to monitor progress and adjust the IEP as needed.

    • Seeking resources and support through parent advocacy groups or special education organizations.

  • Accommodations and modifications are strategies used to help students with disabilities access the curriculum and participate in school activities:

    • Accommodations are changes that help a student with a disability access the general education curriculum and demonstrate their knowledge. Examples include extended test time, preferential seating, or assistive technology.

    • Modifications involve altering the content or expectations of the curriculum to better suit the student's abilities. This might include simplifying assignments, providing different levels of content, or changing the way a student is assessed.