A federally required, individual program of goals and methods for addressing needs of students receiving special education and related services in public schools. They are required under the provisions of federal legislation providing for a free and appropriate education for individuals with disabilities, as amended (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA]-PL 104-134, Amended in 1997). The law mandates that for each child receiving special education services under the act, a written plan, involving input from teachers, service providers, and parents, will document the needs of the child, how those special needs will be addressed, and when and how the effectiveness of the services will be evaluated.