Who typically composes an IEP team?

• A. Only the parent and the general education teacher.
• B. The parent/guardian, the student when appropriate, general education teacher, special education teacher, a school administrator, and related service providers as needed.
• C. Only the special education teacher and a school administrator.
• D. The student’s counselor and coach.

Answer: (B)

The team that plans and reviews an IEP is a collaborative group that includes the people who know the child’s learning needs and the supports available. The student’s family is central, so a parent or guardian is included, and the student is brought in when appropriate to hear goals and share preferences. The classroom specialists—both the general education teacher and the special education teacher—are essential to design and monitor instruction and accommodations in different settings. An administrator or district representative is present to ensure the school can provide the needed services and resources. Related service providers, such as speech-language pathologists, occupational or physical therapists, or counselors, join as needed to address specific supports in the plan. This combination ensures that decisions are informed by family insights, educational expertise, and available resources.

Other options leave out important pieces of the team, such as the student’s voice, the administrator’s resource perspective, or the involvement of related service professionals, which are all important for comprehensive planning.