Rationale & Artifact 3:

IEP Case Study

The IEP Case Study required me to demonstrate an understanding of the individualized decision-
making process through the initiation of the IEP process, collaborative planning with individuals with
exceptionalities, families, and professional colleagues, in order to develop an IEP document. This
document connects to CEC Standards 1 (Learner development and individual learning differences), 2
(learning environments), 3 (curricular content knowledge), 4 (assessment), 5 (instructional planning and
strategies), 6 (professional learning and ethical practice), and 7 (collaboration). .
While completing this artifact, I gained knowledge and skills in the area of learner development
and individual learning differences (CEC Standard 1). I learned most about Shaun in the area of learner
development in the section referring to his necessary needs while learning. Shaun is a student with Autism
and learns best with support around him. For example, Shaun requires a 1:1 aide that helps reinforce the
learning environment for Shaun. Also with the collaboration of the speech and occupational therapy
recommended for Shaun, I was able to mirror those needs in the classroom to better fit his sensory needs
and ensure learner development.
The IEP Case Study artifact also enhanced my knowledge in the area of learning environments
(CEC Standard 3). I gained the most knowledge in the area of learning environment in the section of the
rationale mentioning the collaboration with his parents. I was able to get insight on some of Shauns
challenges behaviorally and create lessons that support those needs. I recommended an earning system for
Shaun that encourages, engages, and provides self-motivation through more challenging tasks.
Another area that I gained knowledge in while completing this artifact is in assessment to prove
and improve student learning (CEC Standard 6). I learned most about this when I was collecting data to
create progress reports. While collecting data through a tasks I was able to see strengths and challenges.
For example, some of Shauns strengths in the area of reading comprehension are that he is highly
motivated and capable of independent tasks but needed frequent prompts and could display behaviors
when more challenging tasks are presented. Using this information I was able to guide learning decisions
and scaffold material so that Shaun has a strong foundation in whichever area of reading comprehension
to better ease the tension when completing a more challenging task.
Lastly, I gained much knowledge in the area of planning for instruction (CEC Standard 7) while
completing this artifact. Much of my knowledge was gained in the area of developing SMART goals
for the upcoming year. After various forms of assessments I was able to gauge areas in which Shaun had
challenges and areas that he strived and develop goals that most appropriately challenged but also fit his
needs.
In general, after IEP reviews and completing this IEP Case Study I feel a lot more confident and
motivated to continue advocating for students need in and outside of school. Shaun was positively
affected by the goals and objectives that we put in place for him in the next year. He has recently been
learning the next concepts, one step at a time and has shown improvement with behavioral issues. The
IEP Case Study gave me a better perspective of needs for students and ways to attain them through the
resources that are provided.