Final answer:
IEPs are plans for public school children who require special education due to disabilities, aligned with guidelines from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Qualification for an IEP is based on evaluations determining a recognized disability that impacts learning. Despite improvements since IDEA's implementation, disparities in education quality and classification for students with disabilities remain.
Step-by-step explanation:
An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a plan developed for public school children in the United States who need special education due to certain disabilities. The qualification for an IEP is determined through evaluations and the recognition that a child has one of the specific disabilities listed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This plan is individually tailored to address the child's unique needs and to provide support for their educational success.
Since the IDEA act was implemented in 1978 and reauthorized with No Child Left Behind, there has been a significant focus on improving the quality of education for students with disabilities. Despite improvements, there are still disparities based on race, ethnicity, and geography, affecting which disabilities receive services and the level of support offered.
To qualify for an IEP, a student must be evaluated by education professionals and identified as having one of the recognized disabilities that affect their ability to learn in a traditional classroom setting. These conditions can include learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), emotional disturbances, cognitive challenges, or physical disabilities, among others.