Students in schools today are entering the classroom with a wide variety of interests, strengths, skills and motivators. It is becoming more difficult for educators to reach students with the traditional schooling system. An Individual Learning Plans (ILP) is a classroom intervention that address the diverse needs of students. ILPs lead to individualized student success.

Definition

An ILP outlines specific learning goals for an individual student. It identifies a student's strengths and weakness, interests and learning styles and uses that information to match them with learning tools to maximize their learning. For example a student who excels in music may have an ILP that connects reading and math with music to optimize academic success.

Difference between an Individual Education Plan (IEP)

An IEP is part of the IDEA 97 Special Education Laws. It is a government program that allows accommodations and additional services that are not offered to other students in school. An IEP is for students with a labeled disability, and an ILP is not. An ILP focuses not only on educational weaknesses, but learning styles and interests as well.

Building an Individual Learning Plan

An individual learning plan can be created by the teachers, students, and/or families. The goal of the team is to help identify a student's unique abilities, challenges, and interests. Since an ILP is not state-mandated, it often falls on the responsibility of the parents, or an involved teacher, to build a plan.

ILP Ideas

For parents looking to differentiate learning for students, the Special Education teacher at your child's school is a good resource. They have resource books of specific interventions to target different learning needs. There are also many online resources, such as InterventionCentral.

Identifying Interests and Learning Styles for an ILP

By looking at your child's report cards, identify their academic strengths and weaknesses. Also, complete a Learning Styles Assessment and Interest Inventory for your child. These documents and inventories will guide you to using a child's strengths and interests to help students reach their learning potential.

Source:

Individual Learning Plans. Parent Driven Schools.

Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans.

More Information:

InterventionCentral