 An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed for every student who qualifies for Special Education services. The IEP Team, which is made up of the student's parents or legal guardians, the general education teacher, the Special Education teacher, school psychologist, and local school system representative, meet to decide an appropriate way to address a child's unique needs in the classroom. The assessment data guides the process of determining what kinds of services will be given and how frequently these services will be provided. The IEP states short-term objectives and measurable annual goals for the student's academic performance, and any necessary modifications for standardized tests. The IEP also explains how a student's progress will be monitored and the specific aids required for the classroom. The IEP must be approved by the child's parents in order to be implemented. For more information on Special Education, visit the North Carolina Department of Public Education's Exceptional Children Division website: http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/ec/. | The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004), or IDEA, guarantees all students with disabilities a free and appropriate education in a least restrictive environment. Children with Down Syndrome qualify for Special Education services under the Intellectually Disabled (ID) category. These students may be placed in separate settings with other ID Mild or ID Moderate students, or receive specialized instruction by Resource teachers while also attending regular classes with non-disabled students. Students with Down Syndrome will have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that is designed and implemented by school teachers and administrators and approved by the child's parents. Before qualifying for Special Education services, a student must meet certain criteria according to predetermined intelligence and performance assessments.
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