Individualized Education Programs

Special Education Laws Made SimpleNovember 2013 – Austin, Texas

National Business Institute

Presented bySarah S. Flournoy, J.D., Ed.D.

Of Counsel, West & Associates, LLP

- Individualized

- Education

- Program

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Team Meetings

Admission, Review, & Dismissal

Parent of child

Regular Educator of Child

Special Educator of Child

Representative of LEA/District

Individual who can interpret data

Child (where appropriate)

Others• Invited by Parents• Transition Services

• Other service providers

Parent Participation

• Critical Members of ARD Committee– Child’s interests and goals– How school skills are transferring to home

• Intimidation Factor Generally– 5 to 1 ratio at minimum– LEA/District home court– Education vernacular unfamiliar– Role unclear

IEP Development Process/Components

Keep the horse in front of the cart!

Include in IEP

1. Now (PLAAFP)2. Goals going Forward3. State Assessments4. How and when progress measured5. Statement of services 6. Out of mainstream7. Accommodations necessary to measure achievement &

performance8. Projected date for beginning services and anticipated

frequency, location and duration of those services

Q: What if you forget a piece of the IEP?

A: Probably okay if student is showing positive academic and non-academic benefitsR.P. v. Alamo Heights, 60 IDELR 60 (5TH Cir. 2013)

IEP Implementation

• Responsible for successful implementation– Fully informed– Technical assistance– Training

Amending IEPs

• ARD meeting• Agreement of student’s parent(s) and district• Reviewed at least annual or upon request

Transition Requirements

• Facilitate movement beyond high school• Federal law says at 16, Texas says 14• ARD committee now include– Service providers– Child

Extended School Year (ESY)

• As necessary to ensure FAPE• Cannot be for only certain abilities• Cannot unilaterally limit• ARD committee must make certain findings

-Individualized-Team developed-Horse before cart

-Education-FAPE-Implementation

-Program-Services-Goals-Measurements of Progress

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Questions?

Sarah S. Flournoy, J.D., Ed.D.Of Counsel, West & Associates, LLP320 South R. L. Thornton Frwy, Suite 300Dallas, Texas 75203Sarah.f@westllp.com214.941.1881