An IEP is best described as:

• A. A type of standardized achievement test.
• B. A plan for general education students.
• C. An individualized education plan for a special education student.
• D. A school budget document.

Answer: (C)

An IEP is a written, individualized plan for a student who needs special education services. It’s created under IDEA and serves as the detailed roadmap for that student’s program, describing where the student is currently (present levels), the annual goals to be pursued, the specific services and supports to be provided (including related services and any accommodations), how the student will participate in general education, and how progress toward goals will be measured. The plan is developed by a collaborative team that includes the student’s parents or guardians, teachers, and school staff, and it is reviewed at least yearly with updates as needed. This focuses on meeting the unique needs of a student with a disability, rather than being a standardized test, a general-education plan, or a budget document.