Supporting Student Success: How a Special Education Degree Prepares You to Manage IEPs

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a specific plan written for a student with a disability that details their unique educational needs and goals, as well as the special education and related services, accommodations and modifications they will receive. Schools are required to provide IEPs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that mandates a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for eligible children with disabilities.

Special education teachers are vital to the development and implementation of IEPs because they have the expertise to develop tailored educational plans, assess student needs and ensure those plans are implemented correctly. Advanced training and the Bachelor of Science in Special Education: Collaborative Teacher online program from the University of West Alabama (UWA) prepares educators with the tools, knowledge and skills they need to support diverse student needs.

What Is an IEP in School?

An Individualized Education Program is a formal written plan for students from ages three to 21 who have one or more of the 13 specific disability categories recognized by the IDEA. These plans detail the special education programs and services a student will receive and include specific, measurable short- and long-term goals tailored to the student.

Some of the legal requirements within the IDEA state that students with disabilities must be educated with their non-disabled classmates to the maximum extent appropriate. They should only move to a more restrictive setting when the typical environment no longer helps them progress. Schools must conduct a non-discriminatory evaluation to determine eligibility upon parent’s request or if the school suspects a disability.

Parents are members of the IEP team and have the right to participate in all meetings and decisions regarding their child’s evaluation and placement, and to access their child’s educational records. A written notice must be given before any changes are made to the child’s IEP, and schools cannot proceed without the parent’s informed written consent. Key components of an IEP include measurable, clear annual goals for students; a description of all special education services provided; all modifications or accommodations needed to help students; and how progress is measured.

The Role of Special Education Teachers in the IEP Process

Special education teachers play a vital role in the IEP process. They provide valuable data and information by sharing their knowledge of the student’s strengths and weaknesses, offering advice on how to educate students with disabilities and suggesting additional services or education curriculum and testing that will help students succeed.

In addition to assessment and evaluation, special education teachers collaborate with several individuals involved in the student’s education. They must communicate and collaborate with parents, therapists, general education teachers and school administrators. Together, these teams analyze and assess student needs, develop a detailed IEP and coordinate services and instruction.

Many special educators, along with the IEP team, use the SMART framework (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound) to design measurable, student-centered goals for the IEP. This helps teachers clearly state what the student should accomplish, how progress is tracked and what realistic, achievable goals should be set based on the student’s level of performance. It also ensures that goals align with the student’s unique academic and functional needs, provides a clear timeframe or deadline for completion and specifies when progress reports will be provided.

Essential Skills Developed Through a Special Education Bachelor’s Program

Students in a special education degree program learn how to develop and implement assessment and diagnostic techniques tailored to students with disabilities. The program begins with a foundation in general educational courses, including written composition, humanities and fine arts. From there, students progress to specialized coursework in areas like Introduction to Special Education, Measurement and Assessment, and Collaborative Teaching, where they learn to evaluate learning differences, tailor instructional approaches and work collaboratively with other school staff.

This competency-based program emphasizes research and the use of evidence-based instructional strategies for diverse learners. Students gain practical experience through internships and field placements, which help them apply theory to real classroom environments.

Coursework and concentrations in behavioral intervention and positive behavior support provide frameworks for promoting student behavior and fostering inclusive learning spaces. Some programs offer concentrations in behavioral disorders or applied behavior analysis to learn the skills needed to support students’ academic, social and emotional needs.

Implementing IEPs: Practical Classroom Strategies

Graduates of this program are capable of implementing IEPs through a variety of practical classroom strategies. One key strategy includes modifying and adapting how curriculum is taught and how learning is assessed to meet IEP goals.

Special education teachers use strategies such as differentiating instruction for various disability categories under IDEA through several methods and materials and adjusting the physical environment to help students meet their goals. Adaptive technology is also used when necessary. Teachers must regularly monitor progress with data to assess the effectiveness of any adaptation or strategies used and adjust as needed.

In IEPs, managing accommodations and modifications involves clarifying the difference between them and documenting and implementing them in the plan. Accommodations alter how students learn, such as giving them extra time to complete an assignment or providing preferential seating. Modifications change what a student is taught or expected to learn by using simplified assignments or differential grading.

Advocating for Students: The Educator’s Leadership Role

Special education teachers can advocate for students by taking on a leadership role and approach. As an educational leader, you effectively communicate student needs to parents, staff and stakeholders.

Leaders know how to navigate difficult IEP meetings. They use strong decision-making and conflict-resolution skills by communicating clearly, practicing empathy, actively listening and keeping the focus on the student.

A key part of managing IEPs in special education is ensuring that the plan complies with federal and state laws and regulations to protect student rights. Part of this compliance includes following formal procedures, meeting deadlines, providing the required services, communicating with parents and keeping accurate, detailed records of a student’s activities and progress reports.

Start Helping Special Education Students Today

The need for qualified special education professionals continues to rise as schools see increased student enrollment and earlier identification of learning differences. A shortage of teachers and high turnover rates have further heightened the need for skilled educators in this field. UWA’s 100% online program combines flexibility with practical, hands-on learning opportunities designed to advance your career in special education.

Through UWA’s special education program, you’ll connect one-on-one with experienced faculty members for guidance and support, while building your professional network and developing leadership skills that will serve you throughout your teaching career. The University of West Alabama’s online Bachelor of Science in Special Education: Collaborative Teacher program prepares future educators with the expertise to make a lasting impact in the classroom.