While completing the online Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Special Education – Instructional Specialist K-12 program from Arkansas State University (A-State), degree candidates gain knowledge and skills that assist in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Special education teachers are responsible for assisting each child in achieving their goals for the academic year. Setting goals through the development of an IEP is an important part of working with children who receive special education services.
An IEP is a legally binding document developed by a team of teachers, school district representatives, members of a student’s family and sometimes even the student. While literacy and other academic goals are part of an IEP, the team also addresses non-academic and extracurricular goals. In general, the IEP lays out a plan to ensure each student’s needs are met fully and appropriately throughout their educational programming.
The Role of Special Education Teachers in IEP Development
A special education teacher is an essential part of the IEP team. In addition to remaining compassionate and respectful toward students with disabilities and their families, special education teachers assist in the development of IEPs in the following ways:
- Bringing a comprehensive knowledge of learning challenges and disabilities
- Having the ability to suggest appropriate technologies or modifications to ensure an effective learning environment for children with different disabilities
- Possessing a complete understanding of legal and ethical parameters for providing education to students with disabilities
- Offering experience in providing positive behavior modifications to address a wide range of behavioral challenges
- Advocating for educating every student in the least restrictive environment, with an emphasis on children learning alongside peers in inclusive classrooms whenever possible
How Special Education Teachers Assist in the Implementation of IEPs
Once an IEP is in place, a special education teacher helps ensure all educational programming adheres to the IEP’s requirements. Because IEPs contain very clear goals and modifications for each student, classroom teachers can follow the IEP as though it were a roadmap. Yet, as experts, special education teachers collaborate closely with fellow teachers to help them understand and implement each component of a student’s IEP effectively.
Thus, it is critical for special education teachers to spend time reading and understanding each student’s IEP. This is a fundamental component of the special education teacher’s responsibilities. Depending on the IEP, a teacher may need to provide assistive technologies, such as computer software, visual aids or mobility equipment. The IEP may specify that a child receive special accommodations, such as extra time for testing, oral instructions or recorded lessons. It is important for the special education teacher to ensure that classroom practices adhere to the IEP and that any issues come to the IEP team’s attention.
Special education teachers become expert participants in the design and implementation of IEPs. Other members of the IEP team depend on special education teachers’ assessments of disabilities, data analysis or strategic development to help children overcome learning barriers. As such, special education teachers provide essential resources, information and perspective during the IEP process.
The IEP Process Aims to Ensure Quality Education for Every Child
The IEP is an essential component of ensuring all students in special education programs receive a Free Appropriate Public Education, as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, developing, implementing, reviewing and revising a student’s IEP is far more than a legally mandated aspect of special education.
The IEP ensures access to challenging curriculum and meaningful learning opportunities designed to help each student grow, learn and succeed. It is a collective effort to fully understand and meet the unique needs of every diverse learner through careful planning and collaborative execution.
This endeavor is central to the purpose of special education. Working with exceptional learners as a special education teacher requires a deep level of compassion for students and families, a commitment to collaborating with other entities and a student-centered approach to creating dynamic, effective IEPs.
Learn more about A-State‘s online MSE in Special Education – Instructional Specialist K-12 program.