Artifact 2 Rationale

IEP Case Study

The IEP Case Study artifact required me to actively participate in the IEP process in
completing an Individualized Education Plan for a student with a disability. This assignment
involved the collection of pertinent information in developing an IEP. This information included
the collection of background information on the student as well as school related data that
supported the Teams decisions. I also collaborated with my mentor to complete the finalized
IEP to be discussed during the annual review. This artifacts objectives connect to CEC
Standards 1 (Learner Development and Individual Learning Differences), 5 (Instructional
Planning and Strategies), 6 (Professional Learning and Ethical Practices), and 7 (Collaboration).
I mastered the knowledge and skills in learner development and individual learning
differences (CEC standard 1) while completing the IEP Case Study artifact. The mastery of
learner development and individual learner differences is an area of primary focus within this
artifact. The student that is the focus of this case study is a prime example of a student that has
individual learning differences, as this is a reason for the determination of eligibility for the IEP.
To promote learner development and address the students learning differences, goals and
objectives as well as accommodation and services were developed to ensure that the student will
be successful in the general education classroom.
This artifact also required me to master the knowledge and skills in instructional planning
and strategies (CEC standard 5). Pre-referral strategies were an essential component in
determining the students eligibility. The students general education teachers had to document
all strategies and RTI trials that took place in the classroom. When these strategies were not
successful, the student was brought up during Team to discuss if the student would be eligible
for testing for a specific learning disability. The use of instructional planning and strategies are
the driving force behind assisting struggling students to be successful.
My knowledge and skills in professional learning and ethical practices (CEC standard 6)
were developed while completing this artifact. The entire IEP process involves professional
learning and ethical practices, as these are the stepping-stones in developing the legal document
of the IEP. I was able to learn how educational professionals addressed all aspects of the process,
including working with parents, assessing the child, collecting data, and using these factors to
make the necessary and appropriate decisions for this students academic future. I was able to
use the ethical practices set by the state and county to develop an unbiased, informative, and
detrimental document for the students academic achievement.
The mastery of knowledge and skills in collaboration (CEC standard 7) is evident within
the IEP case study. The IEP process involves the collaboration of the IEP Team chair, special
educator, general educator, speech pathologist, and parent. I worked with all of these participants
in order to compile the necessary information to complete the IEP. The Team chair facilitated
team meetings and assessed the child for present levels academic performance, the special
educator created the IEP, the general educator documented all classroom-based data, the speech
pathologist assessed the child for appropriate language development, and the parent gave valid
input of what happened outside of the school environment. The collaboration of all of these

participants ensured that the student was and would be provided with the appropriate tools to be
a successful student.
The student that was apart of this IEP Case Study was positively affected by my mastery
of CEC standards 1 (Learner Development and Individual Learning Differences), 5 (Instructional
Planning and Strategies), 6 (Professional Learning and Ethical Practices), and 7 (Collaboration).
By completing the IEP Case Study, I was able to comprehensively understand all aspects of the
IEP process. This is beneficial to the student as I was able to compile all pertinent information
and data to complete his IEP. This IEP will assist him in closing the gap that is currently evident
in the areas of academics and speech/language. The goals and objectives are appropriate,
measurable, and obtainable for the student. Future students will also benefit from my experience
in the IEP process. I will be knowledgeable and experienced in the IEP process, continuing to
create IEPs that will assist the student in furthering his/her academic career.