INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN - BEST PRACTICE
During my special education practicum, I had many opportunities to work on IEP documents and progress reports. I was able to interpret information from standardized reports such as Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Third Edition(WPPSI-III), Wechsler Individual Achievement Test Third Edition (WIAT-III), Behavior Assessment System for Children Second Edition (BASC-2), and Woodcock Johnson Third Edition (WJ-III). From these reports, I generated effective IEP documents with measurable annual goals, objectives and benchmarks. IEP1 is evidence of many CEC standards including 15. assess information on various cognitive, physical, cultural, social, and emotional conditions of exceptional individuals, 28. use various types of assessment procedures appropriately, and 29. interpret formal and informal assessment instruments and procedures. After reading the reports, I was able to clearly distinguish academic changes that needed to take place in order for the student to receive the best possible access to the curriculum.
While this piece of evidence is a sample, I was still able to gain knowledge on developing individual student programs while collaborating with team members. I collaborated with my cooperating teacher, and other staff members (speech and language pathologist, school psychologist, ELL teacher, etc.) to write an effective document that would support Michael Lopez in the school setting. Along with the IEP documents, I was able to interpret data from the BASC-2 report to produce a practical progress report. After analyzing the report, I created an annual measurable goal for Timmy and wrote about the effective progress he made due to procedures put in place by teachers and parents (See uploaded progress report).
As stated in my Philosophy of Special Education, I firmly believe that education is one of the most important tools we can provide children. Analyzing IEP information and creating working documents that support individual needs of students is an important aspect when providing an effective education. Designing and modifying academic content, delivery of instruction, and performance criteria are the essential roles of a special education teacher. I will get to know each student and understand what his or her abilities are and translate this into the IEP document.
As I have only worked on sample IEP and progress reports, the uploaded evidence reveals my best practice. I thoroughly examined all reports prior to writing the IEP documents and the progress report. I collaborated with many other special education staff members so that I could write the most realistic and effective documents possible.