Which aspect of special education does the IEP primarily focus on?

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is fundamentally designed to cater to the unique educational needs of a student with disabilities. Its primary focus is on developing specific and individualized educational goals and services tailored to that student's requirements. This is pivotal because the IEP serves not only as a legal document that outlines the educational framework for the student, but it also details the accommodations, modifications, and personalized instruction that will help the student access the general education curriculum effectively.

The emphasis on individualized goals ensures that the educational strategies and support provided are directly aligned with the student's strengths, challenges, and learning preferences, leading to a more effective and meaningful educational experience. This level of personalization is essential in maximizing the student’s potential and promoting their educational growth, which is a core aspect of special education.

In contrast, the other aspects such as behavior assessment, overall school performance, and classroom management strategies are important in the educational context but are not the central focus of the IEP. While these factors may inform the development of an IEP and can be included in its broader context, they are secondary to the emphasis on tailored educational goals and services that are the hallmark of the IEP.