Team and Massachusetts IEP Information
The Massachusetts IEP Process Guide indicates that Special Education law expects school districts to bring together the IEP Team of parents, students, general educators and special educator to make important educational decisions for students with disabilities. If found eligible for Special Education services, the combined knowledge and resources of these individuals, students will be assured greater support and subsequent success. The IEP Team will work collaboratively to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Families and educators can find information about the IEP process and updated forms via the IEP Improvement Project.
The Guide further states that the IEP must address the unique needs of the student and, therefore, must be tailored to the individual student needs as determined through the evaluation process. IEPs will be responsive to parents concerns and the student’s vision and will assist the student as much as possible to move towards independence. The IEP is intended to be a useful document that helps educators and parents to understand the student and how best to work with that student. The IEP should describe how the student learns, how the student best demonstrates that learning and how the school staff and student will work together to help the student learn better. The IEP should provide a clear picture of the student’s current abilities and needs and should identify key goals and objectives that provide a direction and focus for the student’s learning over the next IEP period.
Through the IEP process, the IEP Team will determine services and supports necessary to help the student learn better. For the student with vision loss (up to age 22) the IEP Team may consider services from a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS), Teacher of the Vision Impaired (TVI) or Assistive Technology Specialist as appropriate to meet the educational needs of the student. If you have questions about the IEP process, please contact the Special Education Administrator in your town.
The Guide further states that the IEP must address the unique needs of the student and, therefore, must be tailored to the individual student needs as determined through the evaluation process. IEPs will be responsive to parents concerns and the student’s vision and will assist the student as much as possible to move towards independence. The IEP is intended to be a useful document that helps educators and parents to understand the student and how best to work with that student. The IEP should describe how the student learns, how the student best demonstrates that learning and how the school staff and student will work together to help the student learn better. The IEP should provide a clear picture of the student’s current abilities and needs and should identify key goals and objectives that provide a direction and focus for the student’s learning over the next IEP period.
Through the IEP process, the IEP Team will determine services and supports necessary to help the student learn better. For the student with vision loss (up to age 22) the IEP Team may consider services from a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS), Teacher of the Vision Impaired (TVI) or Assistive Technology Specialist as appropriate to meet the educational needs of the student. If you have questions about the IEP process, please contact the Special Education Administrator in your town.