What is typically based on assessment results when developing an IEP?

When developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP), educational placements and services are typically based on assessment results. The IEP aims to provide a customized educational experience that addresses the unique needs of the student, as identified through various assessments. These assessments offer crucial insights into the student's strengths, areas of need, and learning styles.

The information gathered from these evaluations informs decisions about the most appropriate educational settings—whether in a general education classroom, a resource room, or a specialized program. Furthermore, it helps determine the required services to support the student, such as specialized instruction, accommodations, or related services like speech therapy. Establishing placements and services grounded in assessment results ensures that the educational experience is tailored to promote the student’s academic and social success.

In contrast, personal goals may not be specifically linked to assessed needs but could stem from the student's interests and aspirations. Volunteer opportunities and school-wide discipline policies are important aspects of the school experience but do not play a direct role in the individualized planning process of an IEP, which focuses on particular educational requirements determined by assessment data.