Parents and educators of children with special needs have a new tool available to them.
The Kentucky Department of Education reviews the Consideration of Special Factors in writing an Individual Education Program through a new video presentation series. An IEP is a written program for a student with a disability who is eligible to receive special education and related services. The student’s Admissions Release Committee develops and implements the IEP with input from parents.
Tania Sharp with the Office of Special Education and Early Learning said the committee should ensure that the Special Factors section aligns with the goals, accommodations, and services the student needs.
“The team will be reviewing each section of the IEP to ensure all the pieces connect together, are consistent, and are compliant,” said Sharp.
Sharp leads the eight-part series which reviews how to support students with deaf or hard of hearing needs, blind or visually impaired needs, English learner needs and assistive technology device needs.
“All the pieces of the puzzle are needed in order to create or develop the appropriate IEP for each student,” said Sharp. “The pieces throughout the IEP must connect in order for there to be progress documented and seen through the data that will be and is collected.”
The presentations walk through state regulations, details of paperwork, and guiding questions to discuss in determining accommodations and support. Each video contains audio, closed captions, and a sign language interpreter.
More information can be found on the Kentucky Department of Education website.