Individualized Teaching: Writing Individualized Education Programs

Abstract

This module (part of a series of 24 modules) is on writing individualized education programs (IEPs). The genesis of these materials is in the 10 "clusters of capabilities," outlined in the paper, "A Common Body of Practice for Teachers: The Challenge of Public Law 94-142 to Teacher Education." These clusters form the proposed core of professional knowledge needed by teachers in the future. The module is to be used by teacher educators to reexamine and enhance their current practice in preparing classroom teachers to work competently and comfortably with children who have a wide range of individual needs. The module includes objectives, scales for assessing the degree to which the identified knowledge and practices are prevalent in an existing teacher education program, and self-assessment test items. Topics discussed in this module include responsibility and accountability, student referral, the multidisciplinary evaluation approach, IEP team meetings, IEP contents, and IEPs at the secondary school level. Bibliographic references and articles expanding on the subject of developing skills in writing IEPs for mainstreamed students are included. (JD)