THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR VOCATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

December 2002

Dear Educators, Parents and Others Interested in the Education of Students with Disabilities:

        The process of providing a free appropriate public education to a student with a disability requires that each student have an individualized education program (IEP). The IEP is the document that identifies a student with a disability’s unique needs. It sets forth the recommendations for the supports, services, programs and accommodations necessary to address those unique needs and to support that student’s participation and progress in the general curriculum (or, for preschool students, to support the student’s participation in age appropriate activities).

        In 1998, the New York State Education Department issued a Sample Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Guidance Document. Since that time, both Part 300 of the Code of Federal Regulations and Part 200 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education of New York State have been amended relating to IEP development. The attached revised sample IEP and guidance document reflects new requirements and provides additional technical assistance to develop instructionally relevant and legally correct IEPs. I recommend you use the attached sample IEP and carefully follow the guidance provided in this document. If you do so, the IEPs developed for your students will be useful documents that guide instruction and provide a tool to measure a student’s progress.

        If you have any questions regarding this document, contact the Special Education Policy Development Unit at (518) 473-2878. Other school district specific questions should be directed to the Regional Associate at one of the following VESID Special Education Quality Assurance Regional Offices:

Sincerely,

Lawrence C. Gloeckler

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President of The University and Commissioner of Education
Richard P. Mills

Chief Operating Officer
Richard H. Cate

Deputy Commissioner for Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Lawrence C. Gloeckler

Manager, Special Education Policy
Rita D. Levay

The State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services and activities. Portions of this publication can be made available in a variety of formats, including braille, large print or audio tape, upon request. Inquiries concerning this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the Department’s Office for Diversity, Ethics, and Access, Room 530, Education Building, Albany, NY 12234. Requests for additional copies of this publication may be made by contacting VESID, Special Education Policy Unit, Publications, Room 1624 OCP, Albany, NY 12234 or your local SETRC.

The New York State Education Department wishes to acknowledge the following individuals who substantially contributed to the content of the publication, Sample Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Guidance Document.

Publication Development

Patricia J. Geary Associate, Special Education Policy Barbara Miller Associate, Special Education Policy Carol Northrup, Secretary

Review Committee

James P. DeLorenzo Supervisor, Eastern Regional Quality Assurance Office Christine Efner Regional Associate Doris Jamison Supervisor, Special Education Policy Implementation Nancy Lauria Associate, Special Education Policy Sandra Rybaltowski Associate, Special Education Policy Candace Shyer Supervisor, Special Education Policy Development

Other Reviewers

The Department also acknowledges and is grateful to the parents, school district representatives and others who assisted in the review of this document.