Setting Goals . . . Achieving Results

124 Pages·2015·0.99 MB·English

by  Beth Wierda

Setting Goals . . . Achieving Results

Nebraska IEP Technical Assistance Guide
Revised March, 2014
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A Special Thanks…
The Nebraska Department of Education expresses
sincere appreciation to Robert and Martha Perske for
the heartwarming artwork found in this guide. All of the
artwork was reprinted by permission from Circles of
Friends, New Life in the Neighborhood and Hope for the
Families by Robert and Martha Perske, Nashville:
Abingdon Press.
Gratitude is extended to Nebraska Department of Education
Special Education staff and a group of Stakeholders who
contributed to the writing of this document.
Julia Allen Cindy Brunken Sheri Cherney Jeremy Christiansen
Glenda Davis Linda Douglas Mary Ells Rhonda Fleischer

Rhonda Gdowski Rita Hammitt Frank Hebenstreit Tanya Hilligoss

Kathy Huff Don Loseke Carol McClain Stacy McDaniel

Jeremy Murphy Teri Ourada Kathy Peterson Mary Phillips

Kris Reckewey Susan Safarik Gary Sherman Ellen Stokebrand

John Street Jill Weatherly Beth Wierda
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Preface
This guidebook was written to assist teachers,
parents, and other professionals involved in
the IEP process. The development and
implementation of an IEP for a student can
be a daunting task and this document is intended
to make that task easier. It provides practical
information as well as information about best
practices. It guides individuals through the IEP
process by reviewing the requirements of the
law, determining why those requirements are
important and deciding how each requirement
can best be
implemented.
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SETTING GOALS…….ACHIEVING RESULTS
Notice of the IEP Meeting ...................................................9
Nebraska IEP Technical Assistance Guide
Content of Notice of IEP Meeting ...................................9

Methods to Ensure Parent Participation ...........................10
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Conducting the IEP Meeting Without the Parent ............11

BACKGROUND INFORMATION…………………….. 1
The IEP Meeting ..................................................................12
Foundation #1 ..................................................................1
Sample IEP Meeting Agenda ...........................................12
Foundation #2 ..................................................................1
Concluding the IEP Meeting ............................................12
Foundation #3 ..................................................................2
Annual Review of the IEP ...............................................13
Foundation #4 ..................................................................2
Amending the IEP ............................................................13
Foundation #5 ..................................................................2
Request by Parent or School Staff for IEP
Foundation #6 ..................................................................3
Meeting ............................................................................14

When Must the IEP be in Effect? ....................................14
PREPARING FOR THE IEP

IEP Team Membership
TRANSFER WITHIN THE STATE AND FROM
The Parents.......................................................................3
OUT-OF-STATE..................................................................14
The Child or Youth ..........................................................4
Transmittal of Records .....................................................14
The Special Education Teacher(s) or Provider(s) ............4
Within Nebraska ..............................................................15
The General Education Teacher(s) ..................................5
Out-of-State......................................................................15
The General Education Teacher for Early

Childhood. ..................................................................5
DEVELOPING THE IEP: PUTTING THE PIECES
The Representative of the School District .......................6
TOGETHER .........................................................................15
A Person Who Can Interpret Instructional
Contents of the IEP ..............................................................15
Implications of Evaluation Results ..................................7
Special Factors for the IEP Team to Consider ..................17
Other Persons Invited at the Discretion of Parents
The Strengths of the Child or Youth ................................17
or School District .............................................................7
The Concerns of the Parent ..............................................18
Other Agency Representatives for Transition
Results of the Initial or Most Recent Evaluation .............18
Planning ...........................................................................7
Academic, Developmental and Functional Needs of
Representative of Part C Services ....................................8
the Child or Youth ...........................................................19
Multiple Roles ..................................................................8
Behavioral Concerns ........................................................19
IEP Attendance and Excusals ..........................................8
Limited English Proficiency ............................................20
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Vision Concerns ...............................................................20
Communication Needs .....................................................21
Assistive Technology .............................................................21
Physical Education Needs ................................................22
Extended School Year Services .......................................22
Present Levels of Academic Achievement and
Functional Performance ...................................................22
Measurable Annual Goals ................................................25
Standards Based IEPs ................................................28
Benchmarks or Short-Term Objectives .....................28
Benchmarks................................................................28
Short-Term Objectives ...............................................28
Both Benchmark and Short-Term Objectives ............28
Measuring and Reporting Progress on Annual Goals ......29
Progress Reports to Parents .......................................29
Progress Monitoring...................................................29
Participation in State Assessment and District-
Wide Assessment .............................................................30
Statement of Special Education and Related
Services ............................................................................30
Participation with Non-Disabled Peers ............................31
Services in the Least Restrictive Environment ..........31
Accommodations and Modifications ...............................34
Modifications .............................................................34
Secondary Transition .......................................................34
Transition Assessment ...............................................35
Measurable Postsecondary Goals ..............................35
Courses of Study ........................................................36
Interagency Transition Services .................................36

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APPENDICES
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Parental Rights ................................................................................................................................. Appendix Page 41
IEP Meetings – Parent Participation ................................................................................................ Appendix Page 53
Essential Elements of a Functional Behavior Assessment .............................................................. Appendix Page 57
Essential Elements of a Behavioral Intervention Plan ..................................................................... Appendix Page 59
Blind and Visual Impairments Checklist ......................................................................................... Appendix Page 61
Assistive Technology Questions/Answers ....................................................................................... Appendix Page 65
Assistive Technology Devices ......................................................................................................... Appendix Page 72
Examples of PLAAFP Statements and Goals .................................................................................. Appendix Page 75
Determining Appropriate Accommodations Checklist for IEP Team............................................. Appendix Page 79
Measurable Postsecondary Goals .................................................................................................... Appendix Page 81
Glossary of Terms ............................................................................................................................ Appendix Page 87
References ........................................................................................................................................ Appendix Page 93
Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................................................ Appendix Page 95
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