As defined in the IEP Resource Guide 2004,
An IEP is ...
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A written plan describing the special education program and/or services required by a particular student, based on a thorough assessment of the student’s strengths and needs;
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A record of the particular accommodations needed to help the student achieve his or her learning expectations;
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A working document that identifies learning expectations that are modified from the expectations for the age-appropriate grade level in a particular subject or course, as outlined in the Ministry of Education’s curriculum policy document and/or alternative expectations, if required, in program areas not represented in the Ontario curriculum ;
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A record of the specific knowledge and skills to be assessed and evaluated for the purpose of reporting student achievement of modified and/or alternative expectations.
An IEP is not…
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A description of everything that will be taught to the student;
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A list of all the teaching strategies used in regular classroom instruction;
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A document that records all learning expectations, including those that are not modified from the regular grade level curriculum expectations;
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A daily lesson plan.
Dufferin-Peel has participated in all Ministy of Education (MOE) Individual Education Plan Reviews. As per Regulation 181/98 within the Education Act, principals are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the IEP is developed collaboratively within the resources available to the board and that parents are consulted.
The parent/guardian/adult student must be asked to sign the form to indicate whether:
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they were consulted in the development of the IEP;
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they declined the opportunity to be consulted;
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they have received a copy of the IEP;
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any comments provided by the parent/guardian/adult student are noted on the form.
When disputes arise, the school endeavours to work collaboratively with the parent/guardian/adult student to review issues within the Individual Education Plan. Collaborative processes may include phone contact and/or meetings. Family of Schools and/or board supports may also be accessed as part of a team endeavoring to facilitate support for dispute resolution.
The IPRC/Case Conference process provides a further opportunity for parents to share input regarding programs and services which may include issues related to the IEP.
The Ministry of Education resource document Shared Solutions provides strategies and identifies best practice in collaborative conflict resolution. Copies have been distributed to each school.