IEP does not work because it does not prepare the child for future years. IEP program is used to make it easier for the child. All the work is modified. When the child enters grade 7 and 8, he/she will never be able to keep up at grade level. Be aware of the school system.
The school convinced me to place my son in the IEP program. I argued with them and then they convinced me because they said it would make my son more successful in his future years. This was in grade 2. My son is now in grade 8 and I removed him from the IEP in grade 7 and he is doing ok. However, the school still did not officially remove him from the IEP. He is in a regular class room, learning everything that everyone else is, but, it is starting to be a battle to have him officially removed.
If your child needs help with work, the teacher(s) will convince the parents for IEP placement, because the child no longer becomes the teachers responsiblity. The responsibility shifts to the Special Ed. Teacher, this inturn reduces class size and increases funding for the school to have the Special Ed. Teacher. Another benefit for the school, when the child is on IEP, the student does not have to do the annual government exams. This exam measures how well the school teachers are presenting the material. If you remove the students who are not doing to well, and place them in IEP, the average exam marks for that school gets better.
Fight for your kids and do not trust the school system with your child.