California’s new statewide Individualized Education Program (IEP) template represents an important opportunity to strengthen support for students with disabilities, their families, and educators. Developed through years of collaboration, the template promotes a more asset-based, student-centered approach by elevating student strengths, voice, aspirations, meaningful participation, and ambitious goals. Its significance extends beyond the document itself: it offers the field a shared resource that can help build greater coherence in IEP practice, strengthen professional learning, and connect the IEP process more intentionally to instruction, access, opportunity, and student outcomes.

This work also aligns with the broader purpose of California’s Statewide System of Support by providing LEAs with a common resource that can support continuous improvement while remaining responsive to local context and need. The opportunity before us is not simply to introduce a new digitzed template, but to use it as a tool to strengthen practice, deepen partnership with students and families, and expand opportunities for students with disabilities across California. I encourage you to learn more, explore the statewide IEP template, and access supporting resources and professional learning.

For additional updates, visit the CCEE website, events calendar, Resource Center, and the Statewide System of Support Website.