What Does Scribing Look Like in an IEP? A Parent’s Guide

What Does Scribing Look Like in an IEP? A Parent’s Guide

As parents, we want our children to succeed in school — and that means making sure the right supports are in place. One commonly misunderstood IEP accommodation is “Scribing.”

If a teacher or school asks you for input on your child’s IEP and mentions scribing, you might wonder:

• What does scribing actually mean?

• How should it be written in the IEP?

• What does it look like in the classroom?

• What can I do if it’s not being followed?

Let’s walk through what scribing is, why it’s used, and how to make sure it works for your child — from one parent to another.

✍️ What Is Scribing in an IEP?

Scribing is an accommodation, not a modification.

That means your child is expected to learn the same material as their peers — but they may need a different way to express their knowledge.

Scribing allows a child to verbally communicate their ideas, while someone else (usually a teacher, EA, or software tool) writes or types them down.

Scribing is often helpful for students who:

• Have difficulty with handwriting or fine motor skills

• Experience fatigue when writing

• Have dysgraphia or other learning challenges

• Can explain their thoughts well but struggle to put them on paper

✅ What Should Scribing Look Like in the IEP?

An IEP should clearly describe how and when scribing will be used — not just list “scribing” in a box.

Here are examples of strong IEP wording:

• “Student will be provided with a scribe for written assessments or assignments requiring paragraph responses.”

• “Student may dictate responses to a teacher, EA, or use speech-to-text software as needed.”

• “Scribing will be offered during Language and Social Studies tasks exceeding 3–5 sentences.”

The more specific the IEP is, the easier it is for teachers to implement the support properly — and the easier it is for you as a parent to advocate if it’s not being followed.

🧑‍🏫 What Does Scribing Look Like in the Classroom?

Scribing can take different forms, depending on your child’s needs and the tools available:

• An adult writes down what the child says, word for word

• An EA or teacher types responses while your child speaks

• Speech-to-text technology is used to let the child speak into a device

• A combination of verbal responses and drawing (especially in younger grades)

• During tests, a scribe may read the question aloud and write dictated answers

Important: Scribing means capturing your child’s exact words — not editing, prompting, or giving hints. It’s about helping your child show what they know, not changing the content.

⚠️ What If the IEP Says Scribing — But It’s Not Happening?

Unfortunately, some parents find that even when scribing is listed in the IEP, it’s not consistently offered. This can happen when:

• The classroom is large and support staff are limited

• The teacher isn’t familiar with implementing accommodations

• The IEP is vague or unclear

• The support wasn’t properly communicated

If that’s your situation — you are not alone.

📣 What Can You Do as a Parent?

Here are steps you can take to make sure scribing is properly used:

1. Review the IEP language.

Ask: Is it clear when and how scribing is to be provided?

2. Talk to the teacher or SERT.

Share that your child has benefited from scribing in the past and ask how it’s being handled this year.

3. Request a team meeting.

If needed, ask to revise the IEP to be more specific and easier to follow.

4. Mention what’s worked before.

For example: “Last year, the teacher scribed for my son during writing tasks, and he did really well with that.”

5. Ask about assistive technology.

If adult support isn’t always available, tools like speech-to-text software can give your child more independence.

💬 Final Thoughts

Scribing can be a game-changer for students who struggle with writing. It allows them to show what they know — without being held back by how they write it down.

But for scribing to work, it needs to be:

• Written clearly in the IEP

• Implemented consistently in the classroom

• Understood by everyone involved — including you, the parent

If your child isn’t getting the support they need, it’s okay to speak up. You know your child best — and your input is essential.

You Might Also Like:

• 🔗 Understanding the IEP Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

• 🔗 What to Do If the School Isn’t Following the IEP

• 🔗 IEP Accommodations vs. Modifications

• 🔗 How to Advocate for Your Child’s Learning Needs