How is special education support documented?

The documentation of special education support is primarily done through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP is a legally binding document created for each student with a disability who is eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It outlines the specific educational goals, services, accommodations, and modifications that will be provided to meet the individual needs of the student.

The IEP is developed collaboratively by a team that includes the student's parents, teachers, school administrators, and often other professionals such as special education teachers and therapists. This collaborative approach ensures that the support provided is tailored specifically to the student's unique learning profile and challenges.

While report cards, state assessment reports, and parent-teacher meetings can all play a role in communicating a student's progress and needs, they do not serve the same specific purpose as an IEP. For instance, report cards are general evaluations of student performance in various subjects, state assessments provide a broader picture of educational achievement at a population level, and parent-teacher meetings discuss students' progress and concerns but do not create a formalized plan for special education services. Therefore, the IEP is the most appropriate and recognized method for documenting special education support.