Week 5 Discussion 1 Present Level of Performance

  
This discussion is your opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the objective: Examine the importance of a student’s present levels of performance in the development of an Individualized Education Program.  The discussion represents an introduction to Course Learning Outcome1 and 3 and the MASE Program Learning Outcome 1, 2 and 5.
You play an important role in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team, which is required to meet at least once annually.  This federal mandate requires that all participants meaningfully contribute information regarding the student’s current abilities, strengths, and areas of weaknesses so that specific goals and services can be provided.  The IDEA requires the following personnel to meaningfully participate in the IEP team process (“IDEA/IDEIA: The rights your child has as one with a disability,” n.d.) :
According to IDEA 2004, Section 1414(d)(1)(B), the IEP team includes:

the      parents of a child with a disability;
not      less than 1 regular education teacher of such child (if the child is, or      may be, participating in the regular education environment;
not      less than 1 special education teacher, or where appropriate, not less than      1 special education provider of such child;
a      representative of the local educational agency . . .
an      individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation      results . . .
at      the discretion of the parent or the agency, other individuals who have      knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related      services personnel as appropriate; and
whenever      appropriate, the child with a disability.”

The written document that results from the IEP team meeting is akin to a “roadmap” that is specifically designed for each student who qualifies for special education and related services.
During Henry’s annual IEP meeting, his present levels of performance are discussed.  You are still concerned for Henry’s overall lack of academic progress and quiet demeanor.  Since you know Henry well and want him to be successful in school, you make suggestions to the team regarding his goals.
Collaboratively developing goals for any student is one of the most important components of the IEP process.   Because they are the basis on which appropriate services and placement are determined, this discussion serves significant importance to the overall plan that is developed.  IEP goals must be developed based on the student’s current levels of abilities, be measurable, linked to the general education curriculum and reasonably met within one year. 
Initial Post: First review the results of Henry’s evaluation report explained in the Instructor Guidance and available in the week’s resources.  Next, using the Goalbook Toolkit (Links to an external site.), choose at least three goals based on your understanding of Henry’s present levels of performance.  Because Henry’s academic grade (age) has not been specified, you can choose whichever you feel is most suitable.  Create an initial response that explains why you chose each goal with support from the readings and Instructor Guidance from Week Five.  Additionally, specifically state how the selected goals relate to Henry’s identified area of weakness. See attachment for full work instructions