Frequently Asked Questions
What If I do not agree with the IPRC’s decision and do not want to consent?
Q- What is an IEP?
A - IEP stands for Individual Education Plan. It is a written plan to describe the educational program or services required by the Student. Every student identified as having special needs must have an IEP. Non-identified students may also have an IEP. The IEP details needed individual accommodations needed for that student to meet their maximum educational potential.
Q- How is an IEP developed?
A- Collaboratively. Basically, very basically as this is can be a complex in-depth process, an IEP is developed by collecting and reviewing a mass of information about the student. This includes items such as a student’s strengths, needs, past and current academic performance, future desires etc…. These strengths and needs are then outlined on the IEP, along with additional information such as: significant testing results (usually academic and psycho educational testing results), basic personal information such as name, date of birth, certain medical information, any formal identification, likes, dislikes, etc…. Once these have been recorded a teacher continues to develop the IEP, providing accommodations and measurable goals to follow the student’s progress. This is all done while taking into account parental/student concerns and desires. When every one is satisfied, the IEP is signed off and implemented.
Q- Why is an IEP important?
A- The IEP is the student’s educational programming. The IEP outlines and provides for differentiated educational programs and services needed for the student to access the appropriate education and demonstrate that learning. The IEP provides accommodations that will allow the student to “have access to an education that will enable them to develop the knowledge and skills they need in order to participate in the life of one of Ontario’s communities.”
Source: Government of Ontario
(http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/ontario.html)
Basically the IEP is important because it provides for and outlines any individual accommodations needed by the student to maximize their educational potential. It is also a working document that can be reviewed and updated regularly as a student reaches a goal or develops additional needs.
Q- What is an IPRC?
A- IPRC stands for Individual Placement and Review Committee.
(Education Act- Section 21)
The IPRC is a very formal meeting and follows very strict procedures. The following people should attend: parents, a representative of the parent/student, the student (if over 16), the school principal, an administrator from the Board that is providing the educational services, and in some cases where the Board is purchasing special education services from another board rather then providing the service, a representative of the Board that is purchasing the special education services. All these people get together and decide the student’s identification and educational programming. After the meeting a formal confirmation (Education Act subsection 23(3)) or statement of decision is issued (Education Act subsection 23(4)). The parents or the student of they have reached the age of majority consent to the placement by signing the statement.
Q- What If I do not agree with the IPRC’s decision and do not want to consent?
A- 15 days after receiving the confirmation or statement of decision (181/98 section 24). That is the time you have to think about the outcome of the IPRC and request an additional meeting with the committee, in writing if you do not agree. This written request must be made to the principal of the school that is providing the student’s special education program. The Principal will arrange a meeting consisting of the committee members, parents (you) and student (as required), as soon as possible, to discuss the IPRC decisions. After the meeting a new decision may be made.
Yes, you can go beyond that if you still do not agree, but you will definitely need help, immediately.