Creating effective Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) requires careful consideration of a student's needs and how those needs will be addressed. A crucial component of a successful IEP is the impact statement. This statement clearly articulates how the proposed interventions and services will directly benefit the student's academic, social, and emotional development. It bridges the gap between identified needs and the strategies implemented to meet those needs. This guide provides sample impact statements, categorized by area of need, to assist educators and parents in crafting their own. Remember, these are samples and should be adapted to reflect the unique needs and circumstances of each individual student.
What Makes a Strong Impact Statement?
A strong impact statement is:
- Specific: Avoids vague language; uses concrete examples and measurable goals.
- Measurable: Includes quantifiable outcomes that allow for progress monitoring.
- Achievable: Sets realistic goals based on the student's current abilities and potential.
- Relevant: Directly addresses the student's identified needs and IEP goals.
- Time-bound: Specifies a timeframe for achieving the stated outcomes.
Sample Impact Statements by Area of Need
Here are some examples of impact statements, categorized by common areas of need in IEPs:
Reading
Need: Student struggles with decoding multisyllabic words, impacting reading fluency and comprehension.
Impact Statement: "Through targeted instruction in phonics and morphology, using multisensory techniques such as [specific method, e.g., Orton-Gillingham], the student will increase their ability to decode multisyllabic words, as measured by a 20% increase in words read correctly per minute on a standardized fluency assessment within one trimester. This improved decoding will directly improve reading comprehension, as measured by a 15% increase in comprehension scores on classroom reading passages within the same timeframe."
Writing
Need: Student demonstrates difficulty organizing thoughts and writing coherent paragraphs.
Impact Statement: "By utilizing graphic organizers and explicit instruction in paragraph structure (topic sentence, supporting details, concluding sentence), the student will improve their ability to write organized and coherent paragraphs, demonstrated by writing three well-structured paragraphs with appropriate topic sentences and supporting details on assigned writing prompts, with teacher feedback indicating clear organization and coherence within one semester."
Math
Need: Student struggles with multiplication facts, hindering progress in more advanced math concepts.
Impact Statement: "Through daily practice using [specific intervention, e.g., multiplication fact fluency games, online programs], the student will demonstrate mastery of multiplication facts (0-12) within two months, as measured by achieving 100% accuracy on timed multiplication fact tests. This mastery will allow the student to progress to more advanced math concepts, such as division and fractions, without experiencing significant frustration or delays."
Behavior
Need: Student exhibits disruptive behaviors in the classroom, interfering with learning and social interactions.
Impact Statement: "Through the implementation of a positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS) plan, including the use of [specific strategies, e.g., visual schedules, reward system, social skills training], the student will decrease instances of disruptive behavior from an average of [number] per day to an average of [lower number] per day, as monitored using daily data sheets and teacher observation reports, within two months. This reduction in disruptive behaviors will improve classroom participation and peer relationships."
Attention
Need: Student struggles with maintaining attention in the classroom, leading to incomplete assignments and difficulty following instructions.
Impact Statement: "Utilizing strategies such as [specific strategies, e.g., frequent breaks, preferential seating, assistive technology], the student will demonstrate improved attention and task completion, as evidenced by completing at least 80% of assigned in-class work and following two-step instructions with accuracy, as measured by teacher observation and anecdotal records over a period of one semester."
Remember to:
- Collaborate: Work closely with parents, teachers, and other relevant professionals to develop the impact statements.
- Regularly Review: Monitor student progress and revise the IEP, including the impact statements, as needed.
- Personalize: Ensure that the impact statements are tailored to each student's individual needs and learning style.
By using these samples as a starting point and carefully tailoring them to the individual student, educators and parents can create powerful impact statements that truly reflect the potential for growth and success. Remember, the goal is to create a clear roadmap for the student’s progress and demonstrate the direct benefit of the IEP's interventions.
