An “Individualized Education Program” (IEP) is a legally-binding written plan for a student with a disability, describing what specially designed instruction and related services the student will receive, how the student’s progress will be measured, and where and when services will be provided. 

In Pennsylvania, the IEP is governed by federal law (IDEA) and state regulations (Pennsylvania’s Chapter 14 / special education regulations) through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). 

The school district must provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to eligible students with disabilities.