Individualized Education Plan. a document that describes the personalized instructional program for a student with special needs. The creation and use of an IEP is required by law to ensure that students with special needs receive an appropriate education. IEPs typically include information such a description of the student's strengths and abilities as well as specific goals and strategies for achieving them. Ideally, IEPs are living documents that are developed with close collaboration between home and school. Please see also our explanation Individualized Programming