Running Head: PROS AND CONS OF IEPS 1
Pros and Cons of IEPs
Andrew Griffith
Liberty University
November 1, 2018
PROS AND CONS OF IEPS
Before discussing the pros and cons of IEP’s, it is important to know what, by definition, an IEP
is. The IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan. This is a plan that is specific for every
student that qualifies for an IEP. It addresses the specific academic needs for that student. One of
the pros of having an IEP, is in fact, having that document available to the student and in place,
being used. This ensures that they will have academic success of some kind. What I mean by this
is, the student having qualified for the IEP now has services in place in order to assist them in the
core academic subjects of reading, math, language arts, history. The weaknesses, or where the
student struggles to perform on a level that is on grade level, are addressed and they have a
special education teacher that works with them in order to increase that achievement in the core
subjects that is lacking. The positive impact of having an IEP is shown in a study of participation
which says:
The results of the current study indicate a significant, positive association between
student IEP participation and academic achievement across time using a nation-ally
representative sample of elementary school–aged children with disabilities. In bridging
the disconnect between policy and practice in student IEP participation, the results of the
current study indicate further evidence to support the efficacy of student IEP participation
as being associated with positive outcomes for students. In an era of high-stakes
achievement testing and the No Child Left Behind Act, making the connection between
student participation in the IEP process and academic achievement across time is
especially relevant. The results of the current study indicate that student participation in
the IEP process is not only associated with those less measurable or more qualitative
constructs as self-determination skills but actually translates into a significant association
with better academic achievement (Bararnd- Brak & Lechtenberger, 2010).
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PROS AND CONS OF IEPS
Another pro of having an IEP is that the parents are able to be involved. From personal
experience in IEP meetings and having students in my class with disabilities, parents have
always been glad to be a part of their child’s education. They want the best for their kids and
want to know how best they are able to help their child be successful at home and at school.
Without having the IEP in place, and parental involvement, the student would not be as
successful.
One of the potential cons of having an IEP is, subpar performance. Although the child
has the plan in place and has assistance that was not present before, the performance could hit a
lid. I have seen on several occasions that students that have an IEP are made to do no more than
what is listed in the requirements that must be met by the general education teacher. They don’t
expect any more out of the student and as a result, the student is not reaching their full potential.
A few of the students that I have had in class from previous grades have developed insecurities
and come to my classroom thinking they are subpar because of that is how they have been
treated.
Regarding my experience with IEPs, I have never personally written an IEP. I have
filled out several forms that aid in the creation of an IEP, I have sat in on IEP, 504 and child
study meetings the last several years. I see myself continuing to be involved in the process of
renewing and creating IEPs with the special education teachers as long as I have students with
disabilities in my classroom. Obviously when I become an administrator, there will be a different
role involving my consultation and presence in creating and implementing the IEPs for my
students.
PROS AND CONS OF IEPS
References
Barnard-Brak, L., & Lechtenberger, D. (2010). Student IEP Participation and Academic
Achievement Across Time. Remedial and Special Education, 31(5), 343-349.
Claxton, B. (2018). Planning, Writing, and Implementing IEPs. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt
Publishing Company.
