What would a student require an IEP for?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a tailored educational plan designed specifically for students with disabilities to ensure they receive appropriate support and resources to meet their unique educational needs. The primary purpose of an IEP is to address special education needs, which might include accommodations, modifications in the curriculum, specialized instructional strategies, and related services.

This individualized plan is crucial for ensuring that the student has access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IEP details the student's specific challenges and outlines specific goals and objectives designed to aid their learning and development in the school setting.

While advanced classes, extra-curricular activities, and improving social skills are all important aspects of a student's educational experience, they do not necessitate an IEP in the same way that addressing special education needs does. Advanced classes may be available to any student based on academic performance, extra-curricular activities are typically open to all students without disability considerations, and social skills improvement can occur in numerous educational settings and does not necessarily require the formal structure of an IEP.