Students with IEPs should not fail. But as special education attorney Frances Shefter explains, “should not” and “cannot” are two different things.
When a student with an IEP is struggling, the IEP team, including parents and older students, needs to figure out why. Does the child need more support? Would a more restrictive learning environment help? Are the current services appropriate?
Frances shares a personal example: her own middle-school daughter failed a quarter despite having an appropriate IEP and a resource room. The supports were in place, but she wasn’t completing her work.
An IEP provides support, not a guarantee of passing grades. If the team determines that appropriate supports are in place and nothing more is needed, a student can still fail.
However, before assuming a student simply isn’t trying, parents and schools should examine whether the IEP is meeting the child’s needs.
If your child is struggling, take a closer look at their IEP and consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the next steps.
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