The IEP as the gateway to inclusive spaces: Engaging teachers and school leaders.

The Education for All Handicapped Children’s Act enacted in 1975, later renamed Individuals with disabilities Education Act (IDEA), mandated the rights of children with disabilities to receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. An important component of this legislation is that of the Individual Education Program, which stipulates the educational programming that is developed to address the specific needs of the child. Every IEP must contain particular information. Specifically required are the student’s current level of performance, annual goals, educational progress, special education and related services, accommodations, participation with children without disabilities, participation in state and district assessments, transition service needs (if applicable), age of majority, how progress will be measured, and date of when the services and supports will be provided. These components of the IEP are essential to ensuring that the student is receiving the supports needed to be successful in an educational context