IEP Alignment to State Academic Content Standards

author by Joseph C. Maya on Jul. 25, 2024

Other Education 

Summary: If you have any questions about special education or education law in general, contact one of our attorneys at (203) 221-3100.

Understanding how your state's "academic content standards" apply can significantly support your child's academic success if they have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The following are reasons why you, as a parent, should be familiar with these standards:

  • Under federal law, your child must be given the opportunity to access and advance within the general education curriculum, which aligns with your state's academic content standards.

  • According to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), your child must participate in all statewide assessments administered by your school district and state. These assessments are designed to measure proficiency in the knowledge and skills defined by the state's academic standards.

  • An increasing number of students are required to pass a "high-stakes" exam in order to earn a standard high school diploma. These exams also assess a student's proficiency in relation to state standards.

  • The heightened emphasis on school accountability introduced by the No Child Left Behind Act presents an opportunity to establish new connections between components of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the state's academic content standards.


Maya Murphy P.C. has proudly been included in the 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked among the top firms in the nation. In addition, Managing Partner Joseph C. Maya has been selected to The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for his work in Employment Law and Education Law in Connecticut. Recognition in Best Lawyers® is awarded to firms and attorneys who demonstrate excellence in the industry and is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor.

Our firm in Westport, Connecticut serves clients with legal assistance all over the state, including the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Bethel, Branford, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, Derby, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Middlebury, Milford, Monroe, Naugatuck, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Haven, Newton, North Branford, North Haven, Norwalk, Orange, Oxford, Prospect, Redding, Ridgefield, Seymour, Shelton, Sherman, Southbury, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Wallingford, Waterbury, West Haven, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and Woodbridge. In addition to assisting clients in Connecticut, our firm handles education law matters in New York as well.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to an attorney about a legal matter, please contact Joseph C. Maya and the other experienced attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. at (203) 221-3100 or JMaya@Mayalaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation today.

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