Using a Web-Based Tutorial To Teach the IEP Process.

A Web-based tutorial was developed to teach preservice special education teachers about the individualized education program (IEP) process in Nevada and to allow them to practice development of specific IEP components. The Web site has four major sections which: (1) review the process by which children become eligible for special education; (2) explain each component of the IEP, using Nevada state-adopted forms; (3) present case studies and allow students to practice the formats for writing goals, objectives, and justification statements; and (4) provide additional Web-based resources focused on the IEP. The third section, "Practice" is the most complex and contains exercises to help students write and evaluate the narrative parts of the IEP; case studies that lead students through the decision-making process and include links to professional opinions on each aspect of the case; and additional case studies to be used for student evaluation. The tutorial was used for the first time during the fall 2001 semester, freeing class time to cover other subjects. Students accessed the Web site an average of 16 times during the semester; four students who were asked to resubmit their IEPs were among those who used the tutorial the least. Evaluations of the tutorial by 19 students indicated that they used the tutorial an average 4.2 hours and found it valuable, with the practice section being most highly rated. (SV)