FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test

Under IDEA, who must participate in the development of the IEP for a student with disabilities?

1. The student only

2. Specialized teachers only

3. Parents and general education teachers

4. Only school administrators

The correct answer is: Parents and general education teachers

The correct answer emphasizes the collaborative nature of developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under IDEA, the IEP team must include a variety of stakeholders to ensure that the student's unique needs are addressed effectively. These stakeholders typically include the student’s parents, general education teachers, special education teachers, a representative of the school district, and others who have knowledge of the child, which may include related service providers and the student when appropriate. Engaging parents is critical as they provide vital insights about their child's strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, and general education teachers contribute their expertise regarding the curriculum and how the student can be supported in a general education environment. This multidisciplinary approach fosters a more rounded development of the IEP, aligning educational objectives with the student's specific needs. It's important to recognize that limiting participation to just specialized teachers, only the student, or solely school administrators would not encompass the broad range of expertise and perspectives necessary for creating an effective IEP. Each member of the IEP team plays a crucial role in contributing to a comprehensive plan that supports the educational growth of the student with disabilities.