The development of individualized educational programs in Turkey IEP applications

The overload of general instructional programs makes it difficult to meet the educational needs of students with special needs. Specifically tailored instructional programs and educational settings organized appropriately are the only medium to supply the needs of individuals with special needs. The major difference between special and general education is that the disabled children require a series of individualized instructional programs, supportive special education services, and relevant assessment tools to learn certain skills that typically developing children acquire own their own. It is tremendously hard for the children with special needs to benefit from and adapt to general educational programs designed for their normally developing peers. Results of several studies indicate that individuals with special needs gain little from the general educational programs. Therefore, individualized education program stands as the instructional map for each child with special needs, and forms the basis of planning the academic life of those children. This study will shed light on the necessity, importance, legal grounds, and development of individualized education programs in Turkey, and will also examine some cases to determine the benefits of individualized education programs for teachers, the disabled child, and the family.