Guide - ACHIEVE

The Iowa Department of Education has introduced a new statewide system called ACHIEVE and its ACHIEVE Family Portal to support the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in providing services to children from birth to 21 years old. ACHIEVE is designed to assist teams in developing services and supports tailored to children's individual needs, maximize system functions to support practices and minimize paperwork, increase opportunities for team collaboration and communication, increase parent and family engagement, and ensure procedural compliance through system functionality.

Early ACCESS refers to the services provided for children from birth to three years old, while Special Education caters to children aged three to 21. IFSP, or Individualized Family Service Plan, covers children from birth to three years old. At the same time, the IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is designed for children aged three to 21.

The legacy statewide system launched in 2005 was cutting-edge but has since become outdated due to technological advances. The new ACHIEVE system aims to address this gap and offer a more comprehensive and accessible solution for families, children, and youth.

The ACHIEVE Family Portal is a valuable tool for families, providing real-time access to a child's records, including draft and finalized plans, progress monitoring data, and consent forms. It also serves as a repository for records, which can be accessed, downloaded, or printed at any time, and a calendar for upcoming dates and meetings concerning the child. However, the portal is not required; families can still access records and information without using it. It is primarily a "portal" for viewing content and not directly editing it.

ACHIEVE and the ACHIEVE Family Portal are assets for Iowa's families, children, and youth. The system supports meaningful participation and informed decision-making in developing and reviewing an IFSP and IEP. It allows families to see their child's accomplishments, progress and struggles in achieving IFSP outcomes and IEP goals. Additionally, it promotes partnerships and supports learning while ensuring smooth and seamless transitions.

In conclusion, ACHIEVE and the ACHIEVE Family Portal are valuable tools designed to streamline the process of providing services to children with disabilities in Iowa. By offering a comprehensive and accessible solution, these platforms aim to empower families and support professionals in making informed decisions to benefit the children they serve.

Please remember that the new ACHIEVE online platform is still in development, and families need to regularly check back for updates on its progress. Once fully functional, this platform will make tracking your child's IEP much more manageable, streamlining the process and enabling you to stay informed about their progress. Keep an eye out for updates to take advantage of this valuable tool as soon as it becomes available.

Scan the QR Code on the left to visit the ACHIEVE website or visit the following link:

https://sites.google.com/view/iowaachieveupdates/home?authuser=0