Which document outlines the requirements for a student with a disability to receive special education services?

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the document that specifically outlines the requirements for a student with a disability to receive special education services. The IEP is developed for each eligible student under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and includes customized educational goals, the services the student will receive, and how progress will be measured.

This document ensures that the educational needs of the student are carefully considered, and it serves to guarantee that they have a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. The IEP is personalized and must be reviewed annually, allowing for adjustments as the student progresses or if their needs change.

While a 504 Plan also provides accommodations for students with disabilities, it does not outline the specific educational services in the same detailed manner as an IEP. An academic report is typically a summary of a student’s performance, and an IEP Transition Plan focuses solely on the transition from school to post-school activities, rather than the overall requirements for special education services. Thus, the IEP is the essential document for establishing the framework for special education services for students with disabilities.