Elevating Students through Special Education

We want students in special education to have a strong and valued voice in their individual learning plans from the start of their education, so they can achieve their goals. 

Problem 

The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a document that outlines supports and goals for students, including for those in special education. However, these plans are created for the student, not with the student. Even parents often aren’t guided through the process and language of the IEP. This results in low expectations, unmet needs, and other long-lasting consequences. 

Our Plan

We think all students deserve a say in their education. Students and parents need to be actively involved in the creation and evaluation of any Individualized Education Plan. Dedicated staff need to work to actively include parents and students in the process.

We propose the following changes to IEP development: 

• Hire specialist staff to review and create IEPs with families.

• Allocate time for teachers and specialist staff to review the IEP line by line with families in everyday language. 

• Require staff to actively include students in the creation and evaluation of the IEP.

• Implement more frequent IEP reviews, updates, and evaluations. Include holistic evaluations of the student’s work and development beyond simple goals. The focus should not be checking off a box. 

• Partner public and private elementary and middle schools with high schools and colleges to effectively transfer student IEPs.

This Matters

An equitable society is one that values and elevates the voices of all of its people. We care about the voices, contributions, and potential of people with disabilities. By remodeling our approach to special education, and actively involving students and parents in the creation and evaluation of IEP, we create inclusivity in future decision making.