IEP myths

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• Myth: Being labeled forever

  Myth: My child will be labeled forever.

  Fact: This isn't true, but it's super common for families to worry about the stigma that may come along with special education. Stigma is often based on ideas about special education that simply aren't accurate, or, in some cases, are no longer accurate.

  If your child qualifies for an IEP, that doesn't mean they will always need special education. Let's say your child has dyslexia. After a year or two of specialized reading instruction, your child may not need these services anymore. No more IEP. So getting an IEP does not mean getting a lifelong label.

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• Myth: Always in a separate classroom

  Myth: My child will be in a separate classroom.

  Fact: This is a really common fear, but you can actually look up federal data on how many hours a day students with IEPs spend in regular classrooms. And it may surprise you to learn that two-thirds of all kids with IEPs spend 80 percent or more of the day in regular classrooms.

  In other words, most kids in special education spend most of the day in general education classrooms. Separate classrooms can be very helpful for some kids based on their needs. But for most kids, getting an IEP does not mean spending all day or even half the day in a special education classroom.

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• Myth: Only for severe disabilities

  Myth: IEPs are only for kids with severe physical or intellectual disabilities.

  Fact: Once again, not true. Half of all students with IEPs qualify for special education because they have a learning disability or a speech or language impairment. Only about 6 percent of kids with IEPs qualify for special education because of intellectual disabilities.

  This myth often goes along with another misconception: that kids who are smart don't need special education. Not true. Having an IEP is not a sign of low intelligence.

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