The Corona-Effect Schooling System​ v/s IEP (Individualized Educational Program)

In the United States IEP (Individualized Educational 

Program) ​is a legal document that states that every 

pupil who is diagnosed with any disabilities whereby 

he/she cannot cope with the general proceedings is 

entitled to receive a tailored education at 

classroom/environment most conducive to his/her needs. 

Covid-19 has forced us to accept a few changes in our 

life routines.  I'm going to talk about the education 

sector.  The schools have resorted to their teaching 

services online.   The study material, and website link

is sent to the students via WhatsApp.  It's more of a 

self study.  It may be too early to draw any conclusions 

as yet, however I can say that students are already 

looking overloaded with study materials which 

keeps parents as well busy the entire day.​  Smart 

ones are able to cope, most are facing 

unsaid difficulties in a helpless situation like this.  

Others keeping it to themselves.  

What I am trying to point out is that right now no child 

is being observed whether he/she is progressing or 

not.  Fast learners may not face much problems but 

slower ones and bit dull ones are at the receiving end.  

I struggled all through my schooling days.  I used to 

be the slowest learner in class.  No one showed 

concern to slow down or help me with my pace 

because they had cover the syllabus.  However, there 

was one teacher who seemed to have a soft corner for 

me and she called me home for additional coaching.  

I felt encouraged.  I feel we should implement 

schemes like IEP to aid learners of all kind.  Also, we 

generally tend to overlook at the strength areas in a 

person thereby hindering rightful growth and development.

While contemplating on Corona issue, idea of IEP just 

popped up in my mind and I felt like sharing my thoughts. 

​In countries like the United States(perhaps in the 

United Kingdom and Canada as well), IEP is 

a fundamental practice.  

They don't ignore someone who is struggling to cope 

with his/her peers.  Special needs could be to do with 

problems like slow developmental issue, physical 

deformity, long-term sickness, brain damage, autism, 

deafness, speech impairment, etc. you name it.  

Any condition that hinders a person to learn things 

normally is labeled into this category.  

The schools have special program called IEP to meet 

the needs of such unfortunate kids so that they are not 

deprived of their right to education. 

There is an Act in the United States 

law, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education 

Act) which says that every school must have an IEP 

designed to meet the needs of such individuals. 

The educators could be teachers of the school, school 

recommended para-educators, and parents who form 

an integral part of the team. They ensure the student 

has suitable environment for learning.  And the child's 

progress is monitored every year.  The IEP is designed 

and modified accordingly.  If in any time during the 

course of education the child is no longer deemed to 

fit into the IEP category, he/she is taken out of the 

program.  Otherwise he/she would remain until 

schooling is over, or until the attainment of 21 years of age. 

Do you think this article makes sense? If you think so 

please share this until it reaches everyone who could 

be instrumental in making this change. It will definitely 

make a difference in India, and other countries who 

don't have this implementation.  I strongly feel this 

must be encouraged as I had been a victim of slow 

learning (I still am).  But fortunately, I managed to 

graduate with an average grade.  Now I must make a 

difference to the present generation and for the 

generation to come.

Corona has pushed us further down.  And as we see it 

will still linger around.  

Never expected China to export such a funny little 

virus? It has chocked up all our ways.  

Thank you for reading.

Uncle Naph, Indian Chap

or 

Simply Naph, and that's all!