Consensus among experts in pediatric occupational and physical therapy on elements of individualized education programs.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish consensus among a sample of expert occupational therapy and physical therapy practitioners on characteristics necessary for individualized education program (IEP) objectives to be educationally relevant, measurable, and appropriate in content. METHODS: The Delphi technique was used to survey 38 board-certified clinical specialists from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Nine physical therapists and 29 occupational therapists agreed to participate. RESULTS: The results of a three-round survey process revealed six characteristics of measurability, six characteristics of educational relevance, and seven characteristics related to content that were agreed on by 75% or more of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS: While IDEA is being readied for its next reauthorization, knowledge of these characteristics may be helpful to related service professionals in their participation for developing higher quality IEPs.