Ann Arbor Public Schools is known for its commitment to providing a standout education for all student—regardless of ability.
For those students with disabilities who qualify for extra support, a federally mandated individualized education plan (IEP) is necessary. An IEP allows educators, parents and school support staff to create a plan to suit each child’s unique needs.
Navigating an IEP doesn’t have to be confusing. Ann Arbor Public Schools provides information for families just getting started with the IEP process.
Read on for an IEP overview for Ann Arbor Public Schools.
What is an IEP?
An IEP is an individualized education plan. It is designed to allocate extra support and resources to students with disabilities. It is federal law that any child in the public school system who receives special education and services have an IEP.
Examples of students who would benefit from an IEP include those with hearing impairment, autism spectrum disorder or dyslexia.
Each student’s individual education plan is meant to be unique to her specific needs. All stakeholders, including the child, can work together to create the plan.
Students with an IEP may meet with speech therapists, be allocated more time on tests, or be given audio versions of print learning materials depending on their specific education plan. They may also be pulled out of their general education classroom to have more intensive small group instruction catered to their needs.
The list of possible accommodations and services are extensive, but educators are trained to provide the most effective support for each child.
How does the IEP process work?
Federal guidelines provide two routes toward a child being identified with a disability: each state runs a “Child Find” service to search for children with disabilities and a school professional or parent may request an evaluation.
The district recommends contacting your child’s school directly to begin the evaluation process.
Once a child is referred, evaluated and found eligible, a meeting between the IEP team and parents or guardians takes place. Following a successful meeting, the child will begin to receive services as soon as possible.
Part of the IEP is a special report on the progress the child is making toward the goals laid out in the plan. Every three years, a new evaluation must be performed on any child with an IEP.
More information for your child with an IEP
Ann Arbor Public Schools provides additional support for students with IEPs and their parents.
District parents of children with disabilities also have the option to join the Ann Arbor Parent Advisory Committee for Special Education (AAPAC). The group meets once a month from October to June to learn more about resources for students with special needs and diverse abilities.
Parents can learn more about the district’s IEP process and other disabilities resources online or reach the Office of Special Education at 734-994-2318.
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