Students in Manitoba have diverse learning needs, preferences, and abilities. To ensure that each student receives the appropriate support, educators use differentiated instructional and assessment strategies. When a student continues to struggle with meeting expected learning outcomes, it becomes necessary to initiate a student-specific planning process.
The student-specific planning process involves creating an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Although an IEP is not a legal document, it serves as a valuable planning, record-keeping, and communication tool. This process ensures that the unique needs of each student are met through collaboration between educators, parents, and other support team members.
When is an IEP Required?
According to provincial legislation and Manitoba Education standards, an IEP must be developed for a student under the following conditions:
- The student is not expected to meet the learning outcomes of provincial curricula.
- The student receives Special Needs Categorical Funding (Level II or III).
- The student is eligible for the English as an Additional Language (E), Modified (M), or Individualized Programming (I) designations in Grades 9 to 12.
Key Elements of Student-Specific Planning
Effective student-specific planning includes several important steps:
- Assessment: A specialized assessment identifies the student's current levels of performance and required supports.
- Collaboration: The student support team, including educators and parents, works together to develop the IEP.
- Documentation: The planning process, strategies implemented, and their effectiveness are documented in the IEP.
- Review and Revision: The IEP is regularly reviewed and revised based on the student's progress and changing needs.
Benefits of an IEP
An IEP can be an effective tool for:
- Facilitating Programming: It helps in creating tailored educational programs that address the student's specific needs.
- Communication: It serves as a communication tool between educators, parents, and other support team members.
- Record Keeping: It documents the student's progress and the effectiveness of the strategies implemented.
By following the student-specific planning process and utilizing IEPs, educators can provide the necessary support to help students succeed. For more information, please follow this link.
