What is the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

The purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is to establish reasonable educational goals for children, particularly those who have disabilities. An IEP is a legally binding document designed to meet the unique needs of a student to ensure they have access to a free appropriate public education. It outlines specific objectives tailored to the individual child's strengths and challenges, ensuring that the educational strategies and resources provided are suitable for supporting their learning and development.

The IEP is developed collaboratively by a team that includes educators, specialists, and the child's parents, emphasizing the child's specific needs and how to address them through appropriate instructional methods, accommodations, and services. This tailored approach helps facilitate each child's educational progress and fosters an inclusive learning environment.

The other options focus on aspects that are not the primary aim of an IEP, such as educational funding, standard testing protocols, or categorizing children, which do not capture the personalized, goal-oriented nature of the IEP process.