Roger Pierangelo - Understanding, Developing, and Writing Effective IEPs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Educators

This book is dedicated to my wife, Jackie,
and my two children, Jacqueline and Scott,
who provide me with the love and purpose for
undertaking projects that I hope will enhance the lives of
others. My life has been blessed by their loving presence.
I also dedicate this book to my parents, who provided me with
the secure and loving foundation from which to grow; my sister,
Carol, who makes me smile and laugh; and my brother-in-law, George,
who has always been a positive guiding light in my professional journey.

R. P.

This book is dedicated to my wife, Anita,
and two children, Collin and Brittany, who give me the
greatest life imaginable. The long hours and many years
it took to finish this book would never have been possible
without the support of my loving wife. Her constant encouragement,
understanding, and love provide me with the strength I need to
accomplish my goals. I thank her with all my heart. I also dedicate
this book to my parents, who have given me support and guidance
throughout my life. Their words of encouragement and guidance
have made my professional journey a rewarding and successful experience.

G. G.

Copyright 2007 by Corwin Press

All rights reserved. When forms and sample documents are included, their use is authorized only by educators, local school sites, and/or noncommercial or nonprofit entities who have purchased the book. Except for that usage, no part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Pierangelo, Roger.
Understanding, developing, and writing effective IEPs : a step-by-step guide for educators / Roger Pierangelo, George Giuliani.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-4129-5421-1 (cloth)
ISBN 978-1-4129-1786-5 (pbk.)
1. Individualized education programsUnited StatesHandbooks, manuals, etc.
2. Children with disabilitiesEducationUnited StatesHandbooks, manuals, etc.
I. Giuliani, George A., 1938- II. Title.

LC4031.P489 2007
371.9046dc22 2006103445

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

07 08 09 10 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Understanding, Developing, and Writing Effective IEPs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Educators is intended to provide technical assistance for educators, parents, and others who develop individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities. The IEP ensures that a student with a disability receives a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This guide will assist the IEP team in developing a meaningful, functional plan to help meet the students unique needs.

The following basic beliefs guided the development of this book:

The IEP is

The most important legal document written for students with disabilities

Developed together through discussion at a team meeting

More than a collection of papers, the IEP is

A process that is just as important as the product

A communication tool between parents, school, and others

An opportunity for parents of students with special needs, guardians, and school personnel to work together as equals

A method for joint planning, problem solving, and decision making

The content of this guide is taken from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and numerous state statutes with their implementing regulations. Both state and federal law identify the required elements of the IEP. This guide provides descriptions and models for all the required elements of the IEP from present level of educational performance (PLEP) through placement.

In the course of writing this book, we have encountered many professional and outstanding sites. Those resources have contributed and continue to contribute enormous information, support, guidance, and education to parents, students, and professionals in the area of special education. Although we have accessed many worthwhile sites, we especially thank and acknowledge the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, the New York State Department of Education, the Alaska State Department of Education, and the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Roger Pierangelo and Dr. George Giuliani extend sincere thanks to Allyson Sharp and Laureen Shea at Corwin Press. Their constant encouragement and professionalism made this project a very worthwhile and rewarding experience. We also thank Geof Garvey for his professional editorial contributions to this book.

Roger Pierangelo: I extend thanks to the following: the faculty, administration, and staff of the Department of Graduate Special Education and Literacy at Long Island University; Ollie Simmons, for her friendship, loyalty, and great personality; the students and parents of the Herricks Public Schools I have worked with and known over the past thirty-five years; the late Bill Smyth, a truly gifted and extraordinary ordinary man; and Helen Firestone, for her influence on my career and her tireless support of me.

George Giuliani: I extend sincere thanks to all of my colleagues at Hofstra University in the School of Education and Allied Human Services. I am especially grateful to those who have made my transition to Hofstra University such a smooth one, including Maureen Murphy (dean), Daniel Sciarra (chairperson), Frank Bowe, Diane Schwartz (graduate program director of early childhood special education), Darra Pace, Gloria Wilson, Alan Wenderoff, Laurie Johnson, Joan Bloomgarden, Jamie Mitus, Estelle Gellman, Joseph Lechowicz, Holly Seirup, Adele Piombino, Marjorie Butler, Eve Byrne, and Linda Cappa. I also thank my brother and sister, Roger and Claudia; mother-in-law Ursula Jenkeleit; sisters-in-law Karen and Cindy; and brothers-in-law Robert and Bob. They have provided me with encouragement and reinforcement in all of my personal and professional endeavors.