The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) Process
What is the IEP process?
There are five steps in the process.
First, is the pre- referral. 
This is when your teacher has noticed that you are having a hard time in class. Your
teacher tries different ways of teaching you so that you can be successful. During this time he/she will meet with
your parents and talk with them about how you are doing at school.
Second, is the referral. If you are still having trouble in class then your teacher may request you be evaluated, or
"tested". You teacher is not the only person that can ask for this testing. You parents or any other person that has
worked with you can ask for this. Your parents have to sign a written permission for the testing. You will probably
take many tests from different people. Don’t be afraid they are just gathering information about you. This
information will help them decide the best way that you learn and what things you need help with.
Third, is the meeting for eligibility. This is a big meeting. All the people that gave you tests, your teacher, and parents
will be here. This meeting decides if you will get help from other teachers. This meeting will decide if you have a
learning disability or not.
Fourth, the staffing. You are now entering the world of special education. We are meeting here to decide where is
the best place you can learn. These three places are inclusion, resource room, or self- contained room. (Click here
to find out more about these places) This place is determined by the goals and objectives written for your IEP. This
is a plan has things that we would like you to be able to do in a school year.
Fifth, you are now in special education. It is a great place and now you are not going to be as frustrated. There are
teachers that are going to help you work on the goals that have been made. You are going to be successful and
learn and grow.
Visit this web site to learn more about IEPS!
http://www.ldonline.org/kidzone/kid_listen.html
Visit LD Online to learn more about having a learning disability.
http://www.ldonline.org/kidzone/kidzone.html