IEPs in Action: What the 2025 State of the Special Education Profession Survey Reveals About Implementation Realities

This article focuses on the findings from the third edition of the State of the Special Education Profession Educator Survey, which examines current trends, challenges, and successes in special education. Key findings include a significant increase in educators' daily use of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to guide instruction and improved self-reported preparedness among special educators, paraeducators, and general educators to implement IEP goals. Despite these gains, a persistent barrier remains the lack of dedicated collaborative planning time for IEP development and implementation. The survey also highlights emerging needs in addressing student mental health and fostering student autonomy, recommending targeted professional development and systemic supports to enhance inclusive practices aligned with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).