Individualized Education Programs (IEP)

An individualized education program (or IEP) is a program designed to meet the unique and individual needs of a student that qualifies as a student with a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IEP team includes the parent and develops a written plan that is reviewed and revised to ensure each student with a disability under IDEA receives a free and appropriate public education.

The process begins with the parent(s) or guardian(s) referring the student for a special education evaluation with the local school district. The local district evaluates the student and the IEP team, including the parent, determines whether the student meets one or more of Wisconsin's disability category criteria and requires specially designed instruction to access, engage, and make progress in age or grade level curriculum, instruction, environments, or activities. 

Special education and the IEP process is governed by state and federal law which gives parent(s) and guardian(s) legal rights.

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Click here for more information for families about special education

An Introduction to Special Education