Eight Ways Parents Can Prepare for Their Child's IEP Meeting
1. Review last year's IEP- determine goals your child has met, mark any errors, highlight items you would like to stay in the new IEP, and write down questions.
2. Review the past year- make note of any trouble spots that have occurred, positives and negatives, go through school work from the year to determine strengths and weaknesses
2. Review the past year- make note of any trouble spots that have occurred, positives and negatives, go through school work from the year to determine strengths and weaknesses
3. Look at the guest list- think about your contacts with the people listed and any questions you would like to ask them in terms of their contact with your child
4. Check your child's report card- look for progress/lack of progress and expect to discuss that at the meeting, any disconnect between grades and what you are hearing from your student, any areas that are struggling should be addressed in the IEP.
5. Make your own goals for your child- special education teachers and staff generally make educational/behavioral goals for your child; however, your input on possible goals is just as valuable.
6. Set your own agenda- after reading and reviewing past goals and progress, write down important points that you would like discussed.
7. Gather outside information- bring any research that you feel would help staff better understand your child or the struggles they face. and be able to explain how this idea/process would benefit your child.
8. Make sure your input is included- bring a handwritten/typed copy of all of your concerns or comments and have it added to the IEP. Within the IEP is a portion for parental concerns; however it may be helpful to write down your thoughts prior to the meeting.
5. Make your own goals for your child- special education teachers and staff generally make educational/behavioral goals for your child; however, your input on possible goals is just as valuable.
6. Set your own agenda- after reading and reviewing past goals and progress, write down important points that you would like discussed.
7. Gather outside information- bring any research that you feel would help staff better understand your child or the struggles they face. and be able to explain how this idea/process would benefit your child.
8. Make sure your input is included- bring a handwritten/typed copy of all of your concerns or comments and have it added to the IEP. Within the IEP is a portion for parental concerns; however it may be helpful to write down your thoughts prior to the meeting.