Understanding, Developing, and Writing Effective IEPs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Educators

"The authors tackle an often complex process in an understandable, sequential manner."
―Mary L. Jackson, Resource Teacher
Roosevelt Elementary, Kingsport, TN

Clear, helpful answers for educators involved in developing Individualized Education Programs.

Creating and evaluating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities is a major responsibility for teachers and school leaders, yet the process involves legal components not always understood by educators. In Understanding, Developing, and Writing Effective IEPs, legal and special education experts Roger Pierangelo and George Giuliani provide K–12 educators with a clear step-by-step plan for IEP development that helps guarantee a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restricted Environment (LRE) for students with disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions and a glossary of easy-to-understand special education terminology enable every member of the IEP team to develop a meaningful, functional program that meets a student′s unique needs. Aligned with the latest reauthorization of IDEA 2004, this practical resource also includes:

• Descriptions of the IEP process
• Sample materials from authentic IEPs
• Checklists, forms, and reproducibles for planning an effective IEP meeting
• Guidelines that encourage positive collaboration between educators and families

Ideal for teachers and administrators, this jargon-free text provides techniques, suggestions, and information for all aspects of the IEP process.

Roger Pierangelo is an associate professor in the Department of Special Education and Literacy at Long Island University. He has been an administrator of special education programs and served for eighteen years as a permanent member of Committees on Special Education. He has over thirty years of experience in the public school system as a general education classroom teacher and school psychologist, and is a consultant to numerous private and public schools, PTAs, and SEPTA groups. Pierangelo has also been an evaluator for the New York State Office of Vocational and Rehabilitative Services and a director of a private clinic. He is a New York State licensed clinical psychologist, certified school psychologist, and a Board Certified Diplomate Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychology and Forensic Psychology. Pierangelo is currently president of The National Association of Special Education Teachers, executive director of The American Academy of Special Education Professionals, and vice-president of The National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education.

Pierangelo earned his BS degree from St. John′s University, his MS from Queens College, Professional Diploma from Queens College, PhD from Yeshiva University, and Diplomate Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychology and Forensic Psychology from the International College of Professional Psychology. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, New York State Psychological Association, Nassau County Psychological Association, New York State Union of Teachers, and Phi Delta Kappa.

Pierangelo is the coauthor of numerous books, including The Big Book of Special Education Resources and The Step-by-Step Book Series for Special Educators.

George Giuliani is an assistant professor at Hofstra University′s School of Education and Allied Health and Human Services, in the Department of Counseling, Research, Special Education, and Rehabilitation. He is the executive director of the National Association of Special Education Professionals, president of the National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education (NAPCSE), vice-president of the National Association of Special Education Teachers, and an educational consultant for various school districts. He has provided numerous workshops for parents and teachers on a variety of special education and psychological topics.

Giuliani earned Board Certification as a Diplomate Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychology and Forensic Psychology from the International College of Professional Psychology. Giuliani is also a New York State licensed psychologist, certified school psychologist, and has an extensive private practice focusing on children with special needs. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, New York State Psychological Association, the National Association of School Psychologists, Suffolk County Psychological Association, Psi Chi, American Association of University Professors, and the Council for Exceptional Children. Giuliani earned his BA from the College of the Holy Cross, MS from St. John′s University, JD from City University Law School, and PsyD from Rutgers University, The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology.

Giuliani is the coauthor of numerous books, including The Big Book of Special Education Resources and The Step-by-Step Book Series for Special Educators.