What is an IEP meeting and what role does it play in decisions about the educational program for students with disabilities?
The IEP, the written document that contains the statement for a child with a disability of the program of specialized instruction and related services that must constitute the basis for the student’s placement must be developed at an IEP meeting by a team or group of persons. The IEP must be in effect prior to the provision of special education or related services. The student’s educational placement must be based on the IEP and therefore cannot be determined prior to completion of the IEP. IEP meetings provide an opportunity for parents, teachers and other knowledgeable individuals to discuss the student’s special educational needs and make decisions about the program and services that the student will receive. For students receiving special education and related services for the first time, IDEA requires that the IEP meeting must be held within 30 calendar days of a determination that the student needs special education and related services. Each student’s IEP must be implemented as
