Ask The Advocate: Preparing For Your Next IEP Meeting
Written by Kathy L., Sprout Volunteer
For many families the coming of spring, signals too, that it is time again to plan for their child’s IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting. An IEP is an education plan for a child who is eligible for special education services. Generally the IEP is written by a team of people whose interest is the eligible child and his/her educational success. The parents are considered to be 50% of the team and are experts in their child. That being said; this can be an intimidating, stressful, anxiety producing, event for all who are involved.
There are some things you the parent can do to feel better prepared for the meeting, making it an overall more productive less stressful event.
• Review your child’s current IEP. Is it written in such a way that you can clearly see if goals are being met or progress is being made?
• Are present levels of academic performance clearly written and measurable? (this will be important when reviewing the draft for the new IEP)
• Knowing the IEP will be written before the end of the school year try contacting the school to schedule the IEP at a time convenient for you.
• Request a list of who will be in attendance (if there is someone missing that you would like to have present you can request they be there)
• Speak to the principal or special education director and request a copy of the draft IEP to be sent home in advance of the meeting. This will allow you time to digest and think about what is being proposed. You will be able to compare the current IEP with the proposed IEP. You will have time to think about what is missing and what you still need to know. Ie. Does the proposed IEP clearly indicate the supplementary aids and services your child needs. Have they indicated what accommodations and modifications will be made. (You can actually go to PATTAN.net on the internet and find an annotated IEP that explains each section on the IEP form) Let the school know that you are trying to prepare for the meeting so as not to waste anyone’s time because you know how important it is for teachers to be in the classroom teaching. If you think you will have time before the meeting date, let the school know you will be sending your IEP additions in advance of the meeting.
Once you have a copy of the draft IEP think about changes that have occurred in your child this past year and what concerns you may have regarding his/her education. What are the goals you have for your child? (Social, Behavioral, Academic) Write them down and write down your ideas for how you might reach those goals. I am often asked if having friends can be a goal and the answer is yes.
If your child is included in general education classes you will want to look at the curriculum for those classes. You can request this from your school district or you can google PASAS on the internet. (This will take you to the Pennsylvania Standards Aligned System click on Curriculum Framework and the rest is self explanatory) One good tip about reviewing the curriculum is; you can choose what will be most important for your child to learn in each subject and that can be attached to the IEP. This will also support how curriculum will be modified and what methods will be used to accommodate and evaluate those modifications.
What are the details that will help your child meet with success? Is there a need for assistive technology? If so is the technology available and are all teachers acquainted with the technology your child uses. Does your child need an assistive technology evaluation?
Does your child have a behavior plan? Is it working? What could make it better? Is there a need for a Functional Behavior Assessment? Is it positive? Do/will people need to be trained?
Are transitions difficult for your child? Will he/she need to know who his teacher is in advance of the next school year? Is there to be a building change? Can your child have an opportunity to explore the new building in advance of school starting?
There is a lot here to digest and think about. Hopefully some of these ideas will meet your needs and help you to feel confident and prepared going into your next IEP meeting.
Now I just have 2 more thoughts: Bake Brownies for the actual meeting and take some one with you. Someone who supports what you believe will help your child to be successful. Maybe and advocate, maybe a friend.
Comments:
Friday, April 16, 2010 Submitted by: Linda S.
How do we get to the point of an IEP? My grandson (1st grade) has learning difficulties and we haven't been able to get any help diagnosing or addressing the issue...
Thursday, April 22, 2010 Submitted by: Kathy L.
I love this article, maybe one on transition for high school or how to include your child in the IEP after age 14 or extended school year Friday, April 30, 2010 Submitted by: Kelly
How can the friendship goal be stated and how could it be measured?
