FTCE Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12 Practice Test

Who can be a part of an IEP team?

1. Only special education teachers

2. Only parents and therapists

3. General education teachers, parents, specialists, and outside agency representatives

4. Only school psychologists

The correct answer is: General education teachers, parents, specialists, and outside agency representatives

The IEP (Individualized Education Program) team is designed to be a collaborative group that encompasses a variety of members to ensure that a comprehensive plan is developed for a student with exceptional needs. The inclusion of general education teachers, parents, specialists, and outside agency representatives is crucial because it brings together diverse perspectives and expertise. General education teachers are vital as they contribute insights about the student’s performance in a standard classroom setting, helping to create an educational plan that accommodates both special and general education needs. Parents provide invaluable knowledge about their child’s strengths and challenges, ensuring their unique experiences and insights are considered. Specialists, such as speech therapists or occupational therapists, offer specific knowledge related to the student’s individual needs. Outside agency representatives may provide resources or support for transition planning and services that the student may access beyond school. This collective input is essential for creating a well-rounded and effective IEP that addresses all aspects of a student’s educational experience. In contrast, limiting the IEP team to only one type of member, such as special education teachers, therapy staff, or school psychologists, does not encompass the multifaceted nature of the student's needs and overlooks the collaborative approach required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).