The relationship between school culture and IEPs

IEPs (Individual Education Plans) are now established practice in most schools although they have remained problematic in some, particularly secondary, schools. Sue Pearson, a lecturer at Leeds University, suggests that the influence of the existing school culture on this innovative practice has received insufficient attention and that the changes in a school may be a demonstration of compliance to external pressures rather than the development of good practice. She describes the way in which the staff of one secondary school capitalised on existing strengths through collaborative working and highlights the implications for both individual students and for the school itself.