An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) must include which of the following components?

The inclusion of a statement of the child's present levels of functional performance is a fundamental component of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This statement serves as a baseline for understanding how the child's disability affects their involvement and progress in the general education curriculum. It provides critical information about the child's strengths and weaknesses, informing the goals and services that will be outlined in the IEP. By establishing a clear picture of the child's current capabilities, educators and service providers can tailor educational interventions and supports to meet the individual needs of the child effectively.

Other components, while important in different contexts, do not hold the same level of requirement within an IEP framework. General teaching strategies might be beneficial but are not mandated; curriculum guidelines for gifted students focus on a specific population that may not apply to all IEPs; and while extracurricular activities can enhance a child's educational experience, they are not considered a necessary inclusion in an IEP document itself. This emphasizes the significance of having a well-articulated present levels statement as a cornerstone of effective educational planning.