What Happens during IEP Meetings?
The goal is for all parties involved in the IEP process to reach a consensus on goals and services for the child.
IEP meetings are generally held every year or more frequently if needed.
IEPs focus not only on academic goals but also includes social/emotional goals as well as daily living skills (hygiene, safety) that will help your children improve their quality of life.
Table of Contents
Overview of IEP Meeting
IEP Meeting Agenda
Who attends IEP Meeting?
How to prepare for IEP Meeting
How to reach consensus on IEP Goals and Services
The importance of IEPs
Overview of IEP Meeting
IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. IEP meetings take place between parents, teachers, and other professionals.
The meeting will typically start with introductions of all the people in attendance. This is followed by an overview of the student's current level of performance in specific domains such as reading comprehension, mathematics ability, etc.
It's important to note that IEP meetings are not just for parents!
Teachers, therapists, and other professionals who have been working with your child should also be at the meeting so they can provide their insight into what has (and hasn't) been working well.
This collaborative effort is key to creating a successful IEP that meets your child's needs.
IEP Meeting Agenda
IEP meetings are important for both parents and educators. An IEP meeting aims to develop a plan that will help the student succeed in school.
Typically, the Local Education Agency (LEA) will lead the IEP Meeting.
While each section of the IEP must be reviewed, there is no universal IEP Meeting Agenda. The following topics are covered in no specific order (usually introductions and the purpose of the meeting are reviewed first).
The agenda for IEP meetings should include the following:
Introduction of IEP Team Members
Review Purpose of the meeting
Offer Parent Rights to Parent/Guardian
Review of current IEP
Discussion of evaluation results/ present levels
Review Parental Concerns
Review IEP Goals for the upcoming year
Determination of services, accommodations, and modifications (if applicable)
Review Least Restrictive Environment
Review transition plan (if applicable)
Note: This IEP Agenda is not comprehensive
Who attends the IEP meeting
IEP meetings can be confusing, and it's hard to know who should attend.
IEP meetings are important for both parents and educators. But who should attend the meeting?
The IEP team should include the following people:
Parents or guardians
The student (if appropriate)
Teachers
Other professionals who have been working with your child
Typically, the LEA will lead IEP meetings, but other professionals who have been working with the child should also be in attendance. If you are not sure, who should attend your meeting, read our blog post on IEP Team Members.
How to prepare for an IEP Meeting?
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the meeting:
Read all the documents that have been sent to you, including the IEP and any evaluation reports.
Write down any questions or concerns you have about your child's education. We recommend using our Preparing your Parental Concerns (free download).
Share your Parental Concerns with the school team before the meeting.
Arrive at the meeting on time and prepared to discuss your child's progress and needs.
Read more about how to prepare on our blog here.
How to reach consensus on IEP goals and services
IEP meetings can be daunting, especially when it comes to agreeing on goals for your child.
It's not uncommon for parents and educators to butt heads regarding IEP goals. After all, everyone has different ideas about what's best for the child.
How do you reach a consensus on IEP goals? The key is communication. You need to be open and honest with each other, sharing your thoughts and concerns honestly and openly, and respectfully.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, take a break and come back to the table later. Most importantly, remember that you're all working towards the same goal- helping your child succeed in school.
The importance of IEPs
IEPs are important because they ensure that all students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education.
IEPs help identifies specific goals and objectives to help students reach their fullest potential. IEPs also help ensure that parents are kept in the loop and are able to provide input on their child's education. IEPs must be reviewed and updated annually but can be amended more frequently if needed.
IEPs are an important tool for ensuring a successful education for students, regardless of their disability.
Effective IEP Annual IEP Guide
Are you gearing up for your child's IEP meeting?
Make sure you have everything you need and purchase our Annual IEP Guide!
This guide includes action items related to things to do before, during, and after the meeting, as well as helpful links to resources like the IEP Meeting Note Template and a step-by-step guide in preparing your parental concerns.
Purchase now for a comprehensive companion that will empower you through every step of the process!
Action Item:
If you haven’t already, review our Free Annual IEP Companion. It’s a great tool to have.
PS- Don’t forget to use the Preparing Your Parental Concerns and IEP Meeting Note Template.
Until next time,
EI
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