What aspect is considered when developing an IEP for LEP students?

When developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Limited English Proficient (LEP) students, it's essential to consider their language proficiency levels. This aspect is fundamental because understanding a student's language skills helps educators tailor instruction and resources to meet their specific needs in both communication and academic contexts.

Language proficiency levels provide insight into how well a student can comprehend and produce the target language, which is crucial for effective teaching strategies. For instance, knowing whether a student is at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level can influence the types of materials and teaching methods used in the classroom to ensure that they can access the curriculum meaningfully.

Factoring in language proficiency helps create realistic goals and objectives for the student, ensuring that the IEP reflects their current capabilities and supports their growth in both language and content areas. This focus ultimately fosters an inclusive educational environment where LEP students can thrive alongside their peers.