FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is an Individual Educational Program (IEP)?

1. A document for classroom assignments

2. A plan developed for each eligible student in special education

3. A method for tracking student attendance

4. A public school policy guide for teachers

The correct answer is: A plan developed for each eligible student in special education

An Individual Educational Program (IEP) is designed specifically to address the unique educational needs of a student who qualifies for special education services. It is a legally binding document that outlines the individual goals, accommodations, modifications, and support services required to help the student succeed in their education. The IEP is developed collaboratively by a team that typically includes the student's parents, teachers, special education professionals, and, when appropriate, the student themselves. The focus of an IEP is on personalized learning strategies tailored to the capabilities and challenges of the student, ensuring that they have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This structured plan is crucial in guiding educators on how to foster the academic success and personal growth of students with disabilities, thus making it a central component of special education services. Other choices may address different educational concepts but do not accurately reflect the specific purpose and content of an IEP. For example, documentation related to classroom assignments or attendance tracking systems does not encompass the individualized, team-driven process that characterizes an IEP, nor does it provide direct educational interventions tailored to an individual student’s needs.