Process review of individualized education program (IEP) for a student with hearing loss in inclusive classes: An action research

Through encouraging full participation and equal opportunities, students with hearing loss can be provided with a qualified trainings in inclusive education practices, which is prerequisite for the individualization of education. In this direction, the aim of the study is to examine the development process of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for students with hearing loss at schools where inclusive education practices are implemented. The study is designed as an action research. The study was conducted at a state school in Odunpazarı, Eskişehir. The participants of the study consist of two special education teachers, one fourth grade classroom teacher, a guidance teacher, a deputy manager who was responsible for special education at his school, a fourth grade student with hearing loss and the student's family. The data collection instruments of the study were: a participant information form, semi-structured interviews, video recording, field notes, the researcher's journal and documents. The data of the study was analyzed with the systematic analysis approach. The significance of the activities such as determining students' performance levels, preparing, implementing, monitoring and the assessment processes of IEP, was further underscored. However, it is also revealed that at each stage, there were problems like association between IEP and classroom practices, materials and adaptation to education, the lack of cooperation among participants, and problems in presenting their roles and responsibilities. Keywords: Inclusion, Individualized education program, Support special education services, Action research, Student with hearing loss.