Michigan’s Vision For The Development of
Standards-Based Individual Educational Plans
The Context
The No Child Left Behind Act and IDEA 2004 have renewed the focus on learning outcomes for
students with disabilities. As a result educators must now be more responsive to ensure each
learner access, progress, and involvement in the general education curriculum. The Michigan
State Board of Education approved Content Standards represent the foundation of the
educational program for students with disabilities and gives direction to help teachers (both
general and special education) provide effective instruction.
The Challenge
Michigan needs to develop an IEP document that recognizes and aligns special education goals
with the general education curriculum. Special educators must know, understand, and utilize the
grade level content expectations for each academic area. It is imperative that they know the
student and the standards in order to choose the appropriate grade level standard and tie the IEP
to the general education curriculum.
Alignment for Students
Positive direction needs to be provided for each student’s instructional needs, goals and
interventions. The alignment process should represent a means of comparing a student’s current
level of performance to the expectations for peers without disabilities of the same age group.
The skills needed for successful involvement in the general education curriculum must be
identified and teachers must be supported as they work toward understanding and teaching the
content that is measured on standards-based assessments.
The Partnership
General Education teachers must be involved in the IEP process and see it as helpful and
supportive since they are increasingly expected to engage students with disabilities in the general
education curriculum.
Special Education and general education teachers need ongoing
collaboration as both work to increase the instructional capacity within the general education
classroom environment.
The Goal
The Standards-Based IEP Committee needs to:
 Develop an IEP form that reflects the intersection of NCLB and IDEA and
Integrates state content standards in the development of IEPs for students with disabilities.
 Develop a Guidance Document that can be used to provide technical assistance
to the Michigan Department of Education, Intermediate School Districts and Local District
Staff.
 Develop a training program that can be utilized by administrators as they work with staff
members.
Drafted 11/30/2007 by MDE/OSE/EIS Standards-Based IEP Committee