Challenges of Special Education Teachers in Implementation Individual Education Plan (IEP) For Students With Learning Disabilities (LD)

Abstract

Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a written document that is able to predict the maximum benefits that can be obtained by special education needs (SEN) students through receiving education in the most appropriate learning environment. Therefore, it is important to look into the things that affect the effectiveness of IEP implementation among SEN students. Special education teachers can be considered as the most crucial individuals in the IEP implementation process. This study identified the challenges of special education teachers in implementation IEP for SEN children with learning disabilities (LD). A pilot study was conducted by using a quantitative method which is a survey design. Questionnaire was used in data collection. Descriptive analysis was used to identify the challenges on this topic. The results of the study were obtained from 30 special education teachers that working in Integrated Special Education Program of primary or secondary schools in Selangor, Malaysia. Most of the findings indicate that teachers were facing competency challenges, especially in terms of attitude. The results of the analysis conducted show that teachers were having biggest knowledge and skill challengs in the IEP evaluation process. In terms of attitude challenges, teachers were lack of motivation in implementing IEP for LD students. For further research, the researcher suggests a more comprehensive and in-depth study that involving all stakeholders of IEP team such as parents to determine the main factors that influence the effectiveness of IEP implementation process.