What does the abbreviation IEP stand for in the context of education?

The abbreviation IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan. This term is crucial in the educational context as it refers to a legally binding document that outlines a personalized educational program tailored to meet the specific needs of a student who has been identified as having a disability.

An IEP includes a variety of components such as the student's current levels of academic achievement and functional performance, measurable annual goals, the services and supports that will be provided, and how progress toward those goals will be monitored. The framework of an IEP ensures that students receive the necessary accommodations and modifications in order to succeed in their educational environment, reflecting the commitment to providing equal educational opportunities to all students, including those with disabilities.

In contrast, the other provided options do not accurately reflect the term used in education for students with special needs. For instance, an Individual Employment Plan is related to career services and job training, while an Independence Enhancement Program and an Inclusion and Equity Plan pertain to different aspects of social inclusion and curricular equity, which do not specifically address individualized educational planning for students with disabilities.