How to Read an IEP: Pennsylvania
Understanding Special Factors, Accommodations, Modifications, & State Testing Supports
Pennsylvania IEP Guide: Accommodations, Modifications, and State Testing
What is the testing, accommodations, and modifications section?
Terminology on this can get murky, but every single IEP has a section where a student’s accommodations and modifications for the classroom and for assessments is listed. This information is almost always broken into two sections– one for classroom accommodations and modifications and for testing accommodations and modifications. Testing accommodations and modifications are often broken up into classroom testing and state testing. That’s because state testing is really rule bound. Each state has a list of accommodations and modifications that students can be offered on state tests– and those are pretty limited. Like a student might be offered breaks, extra time, a separate setting, and noise canceling headphones for a state test. For classroom tests or instruction, the IEP team can often write in their own accommodations. For example, a student might need to sit away from their besties or sit near a door or sit near a teacher. Each of those is a classroom accommodation that can be listed in an IEP. For testing, a student might get a separate setting, double time, math content read aloud, a study guide, or even a free retake of a test. Basically, expect to see very few accommodations for a state test, slightly more for a classroom test, and far more for classroom instruction where there is no state mandated rubric of options to limit what students get.
A few key notes. 1) Accommodations change how something is done, modifications change what is done. Confused? Check out the page on it!; 2) Accommodations and modifications are legally required. That means that a teacher can’t say nope, don’t want to do it.; 3) Accommodations and modifications can be changed at any point with an amendment. If there is something a student wants or needs that isn’t on the IEP, you can add it really easily. A student asked last month for a break in class to be added to the IEP so we did. The parent didn’t even come in– I just sent paperwork home. Another student wanted headphones to cancel out distractions so we added that. Accommodations are a great area for students to practice self-advocacy and very, very easy to change. Just not on state tests. State tests are rule bound and you have very limited options for providing students with extra support on them.
Where are testing, accommodations, and modifications in the IEP?
Highly variable! Typically towards the end of the IEP. Sometimes in the middle end, sometimes at the very end. These are pretty dry so they are normally pushed towards the end.
How do testing, accommodations, and modifications vary across districts and states?
One of the biggest variations is state to state on testing accommodations and modifications. California has listening to the math items as a state testing accommodation. New Hampshire doesn’t. There are significant variations state to state in this. A second common difference is in the layout. All districts list classroom and testing accommodations separately, but some break down testing accommodations into state and classroom and some do not.
The third, and biggest difference, is in what this section is called. A lot will state something like “Required testing and assessments.” That means what tests the students will take and what supports they will get on them. A few don’t call classroom accommodations and modifications that. They will instead call them “supplementary aids and services.” That means classroom accommodations and modifications. I don’t know why the terminology varies so much but if you see anything like extra time, breaks, preferential seating or read aloud, you are in the right section.
What does the IDEA law say about testing, accommodations, and modifications?
The Individuals with Disabilities Act says that students should receive accommodations for state testing that are “necessary to measure the academic achievement and functional performance.” It also says that students should be able to receive “supplementary aids and services” and “program modifications” in order to help them meet their goals.
What IDEA says in 34 C.F.R. § 300.320(a)(4-6) about accommodations:
(4) A statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided to enable the child—
(i) To advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals;
(ii) To be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and to participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities; and
(iii) To be educated and participate with other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities described in this section;
(5) An explanation of the extent, if any, to which the child will not participate with nondisabled children in the regular class and in the activities described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section;
(i) A statement of any individual appropriate accommodations that are necessary to measure the academic achievement and functional performance of the child on State and districtwide assessments consistent with section 612(a)(16) of the Act; and
(ii) If the IEP Team determines that the child must take an alternate assessment instead of a particular regular State or districtwide assessment of student achievement, a statement of why—
(A) The child cannot participate in the regular assessment; and
(B) The particular alternate assessment selected is appropriate for the child;
This IEP comes from the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance department. See the full IEP here.
Because the images are hard to read, a transcript is below.
IV. PARTICIPATION IN STATE AND LOCAL ASSESSMENTS
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) or Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)
Students will be taking the PSSA or the PASA in the grade levels below.
Reading (Grades 3-8, and 11)
Math (Grades 3-8, and 11)
Writing (Grades 5, 8, and 11)
Science (Grades 4, 8, and 11)
☐ Assessment is not administered at this student’s grade level; OR
☐ Student will participate in the PSSA without accommodations; OR
☒ Student will participate in the PSSA with the following appropriate accommodations (allowable PSSA accommodations may be found in the PSSA Accommodations Guidelines at www.pde.state.pa.us under Pre K-12 and Assessment); OR
Extra time, smaller setting if requested
☐ Student will participate in the PASA (criteria regarding PASA eligibility may be found in the PSSA Accommodations Guidelines at www.pde.state.pa.us under Pre K-12 and Assessment).
Explain why the student cannot participate in the PSSA:
(blank)
Local Assessments
☐ Local assessment is not administered at this student’s grade level; OR
☐ Student will participate in local assessments without accommodations; OR
☒ Student will participate in local assessments with the following accommodations:
Extra time, smaller setting if requested
☐ The student will take an alternate local assessment.
Explain why the student cannot participate in the regular assessment:
(blank)
Explain why the alternate assessment is appropriate:
(blank)
VI. SPECIAL EDUCATION / RELATED SERVICES / SUPPLEMENTARY AIDS AND SERVICES / PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS – Include, as appropriate, for nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities.
A. PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS AND SPECIALLY DESIGNED INSTRUCTION (SDI)
| Modifications and SDI | Location | Frequency | Projected Beginning Date | Anticipated Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Review of study features and writing supports of scan/read software and Microsoft Word with A-T specialist | HS | 2 40 minute sessions | Oct. 19, 2011 | Nov. 1, 2011 |
| Support in locating and downloading content area texts in digital format (eg. from Bookshare.org) for reading comprehension | HS and CTC | During the academic day | Oct. 19, 2011 | Oct. 17, 2012 |
| Word processing opportunities | HS and CTC | During the academic day | Oct. 19, 2011 | Oct. 17, 2012 |
| Instruction and follow up on use of editing strategy | English/Reading Class | During 40 minute class period | Oct. 19, 2011 | Oct. 17, 2012 |
| Spellchecker of his choice for writing tasks (with assistance for selection) | HS and CTC | During the academic day | Oct. 19, 2011 | Oct. 17, 2012 |
| Graphic organizers and study guides for vocabulary and reading comprehension | HS and CTC | During the academic day | Oct. 19, 2011 | Oct. 17, 2012 |
| Extra time for reading and test taking (up to double the allocated time) | HS and CTC | During the academic day | Oct. 19, 2011 | Oct. 17, 2012 |
| Additional software-based comprehension practice | HS Reading/English classes | At least 40 min/wk. | Oct. 19, 2011 | Oct. 17, 2012 |
B. RELATED SERVICES
List the services that the student needs in order to benefit from his/her special education program.
(blank)
C. SUPPORTS FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL
List the staff to receive the supports and the supports needed to implement the student’s IEP.
| School Personnel to Receive Support | Support | Location | Frequency | Projected Beginning Date | Anticipated Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS and content area teachers | Overview of sources of (e.g. Bookshare), and effective uses of digital texts. Overview of software features to support studying, reading, and writing | HS | Two 30 minute meetings by end of October, with 30 minute follow-up in March or April, 2009 | Oct. 19, 2011 | April 27, 2012 |
| CTC staff | Consultation to develop and use self monitoring checklists | HS/CTC | 40 min. per semester | Oct. 19, 2011 | April 27, 2012 |
| CTC staff | Consultation on effective use of digital texts and software features | HS/CTC | 40 min. per semester | Oct. 19, 2011 | April 27, 2012 |
D. GIFTED STUDENT SERVICES FOR A STUDENT IDENTIFIED AS GIFTED WHO ALSO IS IDENTIFIED AS A STUDENT WITH A DISABILITY
(blank)
What do I look for in the IEP to know if it is good?
If you are a general education teacher, this is the most important part of the IEP. You are legally bound to allow the accommodations and modifications listed on the IEP. If any of them don’t make sense or sound awful, speak up! If any are missing, speak up. Also know that, while some are written as needed, all are really as needed. The IEP might say testing in a separate room but if the student doesn’t want that or need that on a particular exam, it doesn’t have to happen. An IEP shouldn’t be a sledgehammer, forcing a student to do something. Instead, an IEP should be a tool that the student can draw on to be successful– and one you can draw on to support them. So if a student is really squirmy in whole class testing, you might want to push that separate room– or the student might ask for it. At the same time, you can’t say no to an accommodation or modification listed on an IEP. It is a legally binding document. You can however ask that a particular accommodation or modification be removed at an IEP meeting.
If you are a parent, you want to check that these make sense. A lot of times students get an accommodation in kindergarten that somehow carries until 9th grade and makes utterly no sense. General education teachers need to implement these– and your child might be forced to have these if you have an intense general education teacher– so make sure that you have all of the accommodations your child needs and no more and no weird ones in the IEP. I regularly get ones for a tenth grader that state a read aloud or other things that my student thinks is super baby-ish. That accommodation has probably sat in the IEP for 6 years. It needs to go. I like to review accommodations with my students and ask them what they like. Students need agency in their IEPs and this is the easiest place for your child to speak up– they know what they like and hate so ask them their opinion!
When and how should I get help?
It depends on who you are. If you are a parent, you have the right to show the IEP to anyone you want to get their thoughts on it– and the right to bring someone who has “knowledge or special expertise regarding the child” to the IEP meeting. To learn more about parents’ rights in IEP, visit our page on the rights hidden inside district procedural safeguards.
If you are a teacher at the school and are worried about the quality of the IEP goals, feel out the case manager. If you hit resistance, try meeting with a service provider at the school an administrator, or a special education teacher that you are more comfortable with– but try the case manager first to get a sense of what is going on.
Here is what IDEA says in 34 C.F.R. § 300.321(a)(6) about bringing people to meetings:
‘‘(vi) at the discretion of the parent or the agency,
other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate; and
other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate; and
What are the disclaimers?
This website is not a lawyer or an educational advocate. Nothing on this site is, nor is intended to be, legal advice. The information here is for informational purposes only.
If you are worried about your student or child’s IEP, please reach out to a real, live human.
Many law schools have free educational law clinics for special education. Many larger districts employ ombudsmen to bridge the gap between parents and schools. Many regions and states have parent centers that can help parents connect to other parents and find resources in their community. All of those are free, as is talking through the paperwork with a friend. Educational advocates are often paid professionals with special expertise who can also help. While we are happy to address general questions about the IDEA law or IEP process, please note that any communication via email is for informational purposes only and cannot be treated as legal advice. You can email questions to rose@spedhelper.org.
Pennsylvania IEP Guide: Special Factors
What is the special factors IEP section?
On almost every district’s IEP there is a section explicitly titled special factors, because that is what the hodgepodge of things on that page is called in the federal law. IDEA states that IEP teams have to look at special factors that might impact a student’s learning in school including whether they are an English language learner, whether they are visually impaired, whether they are Deaf or hard of hearing, whether they have communication needs, whether they have behavioral challenges, or whether they would benefit from assistive technology like voice to text or an augmented communication device.
The way that most districts have operationalized this is by creating a page titled special factors with a lot of yes or no check boxes. Take Arizona for example. On the IEP, the team checks needed or not needed next to assistive technology, language needs for English learners, communication needs, behavioral needs, visual support needs for a visually impaired student, and hearing supports needed for a Deaf or hard of hearing student. In their sample, the team also wrote in a bit explaining their nos or adding context. Lots of districts don’t do that though and this page is just a check yes or no page. It’s an important page to pay attention to though because if anything is checked yes on this page, you want to know about it.
As an FYI, each of the boxes means something particular. For example, if the team checks yes on the behavior box on special factors that means that the child needs a behavior support plan. If a student is kind of rude in school, skips some classes, and is defiant sometimes, they would most likely have a no for that box. A yes is for students whose behaviors are significant enough to warrant a coordinated, formal behavior plan monitored and reviewed regularly by the full IEP team. This is typically for students with histories of safety concerns at school, whether that is running, self-harm, or aggression or histories of major disruptions and defiance significant enough to warrant a BSP/BIP (behavior support or intervention plan) rather than just an IEP goal focused on improving behaviors. Similarly, if the assistive technology box is checked, that means that the student needs specialized technology bought and paid for that individual child by the district. A 1-to-1 laptop from the district isn’t assistive technology. A special program on that laptop paid for by the district for that student would be. And the communication box should only be checked if the student works with a speech and language pathologist– and they check that box.
Where in the IEP is the special factors section?
Special factors is almost always it’s own page. It’s typically found after present levels but before IEP goals, although that can vary by district. It will almost always have special factors in its title.
How does special factors sections vary across states and districts?
Overall, this section doesn’t vary much district to district. One district might describe an English learner differently than another, but both will ask if a student is an English learner.
What does the IDEA law say about special factors?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act outlines the special factors section of the IEP, stating that teams must look at positive behavior interventions for students with behaviors, language needs for English learners, communication and visual supports, and assistive technology.
What IDEA says in 34 C.F.R. § 300.324(a)(2):
(2) Consideration of special factors. The IEP Team must—
(i) In the case of a child whose behavior impedes the child’s learning or that of others, consider the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports, and other strategies, to address that behavior;
(ii) In the case of a child with limited English proficiency, consider the language needs of the child as those needs relate to the child’s IEP;
(iii) In the case of a child who is blind or visually impaired, provide for instruction in Braille and the use of Braille unless the IEP Team determines, after an evaluation of the child’s reading and writing skills, needs, and appropriate reading and writing media (including an evaluation of the child’s future needs for instruction in Braille or the use of Braille), that instruction in Braille or the use of Braille is not appropriate for the child;
(iv) Consider the communication needs of the child, and in the case of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing, consider the child’s language and communication needs, opportunities for direct communications with peers and professional personnel in the child’s language and communication mode, academic level, and full range of needs, including opportunities for direct instruction in the child’s language and communication mode; and
(v) Consider whether the child needs assistive technology devices and services.
This IEP comes from the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance department. See the full IEP here.
Because the images can be hard to read, a transcript is below.
I. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS THE IEP TEAM MUST CONSIDER BEFORE DEVELOPING THE IEP.
ANY FACTORS CHECKED AS “YES” MUST BE ADDRESSED IN THE IEP.
Is the student blind or visually impaired?
☐ Yes
☒ No
The IEP must include a description of the instruction in Braille and the use of Braille unless the IEP team determines, after an evaluation of the student’s reading and writing skills, needs, and appropriate reading and writing media (including an evaluation of the student’s future needs for instruction in Braille or the use of Braille), that instruction in Braille or the use of Braille is not appropriate for the student.
Is the student deaf or hard of hearing?
☐ Yes
☒ No
The IEP must include a communication plan to address the following: language and communication needs; opportunities for direct communications with peers and professional personnel in the student’s language and communication mode; academic level; full range of needs, including opportunities for direct instruction in the student’s language and communication mode; and assistive technology devices and services. Indicate in which section of the IEP these considerations are addressed. The Communication Plan must be completed and is available at www.pattan.net
Does the student have communication needs?
☐ Yes
☒ No
Student needs must be addressed in the IEP (i.e., present levels, specially designed instruction (SDI), annual goals, etc.)
Does the student need assistive technology devices and/or services?
☒ Yes
☐ No
Student needs must be addressed in the IEP (i.e., present levels, specially designed instruction, annual goals, etc.)
Does the student have limited English proficiency?
☐ Yes
☒ No
The IEP team must address the student’s language needs and how those needs relate to the IEP.
Page 3 of 22
Example for training purposes only | Updated for 2017-2018 | July 2008 Revisions
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP)
Student’s Name: Eric M.
Updated for: 2017–2018
PaTTAN – Example for Training Purposes Only!
Does the student exhibit behaviors that impede his/her learning or that of others?
☐ Yes
☒ No
The IEP team must develop a Positive Behavior Support Plan that is based on a functional assessment of behavior and that utilizes positive behavior techniques. Results of the functional assessment of behavior may be listed in the Present Levels section of the IEP with a clear measurable plan to address the behavior in the Goals and Specially Designed Instruction sections of the IEP or in the Positive Behavior Support Plan if this is a separate document that is attached to the IEP. A Positive Behavior Support Plan and a Functional Behavioral Assessment form are available at www.pattan.net
What do I look for in the IEP to know if it is good?
As a parent, you want to make sure the information here is accurate. If your child has been suspended for aggression, you want to see the behavior box checked and a behavior support plan present in the IEP. If the IEP is mostly a discussion of your child’s behaviors and that box isn’t checked and there is no BSP, you need to ask why. If you think your child needs specialized technology to succeed, whether that is a magnifying sheet to make text bigger or an iPad with a communication app on it, you need to speak up. What’s on this page has to be provided by the district so you want those boxes checked if your child has a need.
As a teacher, the two big things to look at are the behavior box and the assistive technology box. If the behavior box is checked, look for the behavior plan. Then read it really closely, ask questions, and make a plan. If the box is checked and there is no plan, get the counselors or school psychologist involved because something is wrong. The student might never have an issue in your class, but the checking of the behavior box means there is a significant concern. The second thing to notice is whether there is assistive technology. If so, you want to follow up with the student and make sure they have access to it in your classroom. Also speak up. If you have safety concerns about the student and the box isn’t checked, ask. If you think a student would benefit from specialized technology and it isn’t in the IEP, ask. You are part of the team
When and how should I get help?
It depends on who you are. If you are a parent, you have the right to show the IEP to anyone you want to get their thoughts on it– and the right to bring someone who has “knowledge or special expertise regarding the child” to the IEP meeting. To learn more about parents’ rights in IEP, visit our page on the rights hidden inside district procedural safeguards.
If you are a teacher at the school and are worried about the quality of the IEP goals, feel out the case manager. If you hit resistance, try meeting with a service provider at the school an administrator, or a special education teacher that you are more comfortable with– but try the case manager first to get a sense of what is going on.
Here is what IDEA says in 34 C.F.R. § 300.321(a)(6) about bringing people to meetings:
‘‘(vi) at the discretion of the parent or the agency,
other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate; and
other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate; and
What are the disclaimers?
This website is not a lawyer or an educational advocate. Nothing on this site is, nor is intended to be, legal advice. The information here is for informational purposes only.
If you are worried about your student or child’s IEP, please reach out to a real, live human.
Many law schools have free educational law clinics for special education. Many larger districts employ ombudsmen to bridge the gap between parents and schools. Many regions and states have parent centers that can help parents connect to other parents and find resources in their community. All of those are free, as is talking through the paperwork with a friend. Educational advocates are often paid professionals with special expertise who can also help. While we are happy to address general questions about the IDEA law or IEP process, please note that any communication via email is for informational purposes only and cannot be treated as legal advice. You can email questions to rose@spedhelper.org.
