What is an important characteristic of a standards-based IEP?

A standards-based Individualized Education Program (IEP) is designed to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum while simultaneously addressing their unique learning needs. An important characteristic of such an IEP is its focus on encouraging participation in the general curriculum, which helps ensure that students are not only included socially but also academically in their learning environment.

This approach aligns with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which promote the idea that students with disabilities should be held to the same academic standards as their peers. By emphasizing participation in the general curriculum, the IEP supports the student's educational growth and improves their chances for post-secondary success, thereby embedding the principle of academic rigor and relevance in their educational plan.

The other characteristics mentioned do not align with the foundational principles of a standards-based IEP, as they do not prioritize the inclusion of the student in educational standards or the curriculum necessary for their learning and engagement.