Special Education Advocate IEP Meeting Recommendations San Jose
Preparation Is Key
If you called the meeting, go in with a plan. What do you want the meeting to accomplish? Have a list of key items for the team to discuss. Print the list and have it on the table in front of you.
Have A Written Agenda or Two
We always like to go in with an agenda – or two. One agenda that we give the IEP Team in advance so that they are aware of our concerns in advance and can prepare. The second agenda is an ‘internal’ agenda for the parent(s) and advocate. Our second agenda includes everything on the IEP Team agenda, and our additional notes/prompts for other questions we want to ask. Questions might include things like “What reading programs are you using with Johnny? Can you show me where Jane has made measurable progress in math?” If I am a teacher, reading those questions may put me on the defensive. Asked politely as part of an IEP Team meeting, they will not.
Get ALL Reports In Advance
Special Education Advocate IEP Meeting Recommendations San Jose
We do this for a living. Between us, we have decades of experience reading assessments and reports. It takes us time to read, digest, and make notes on them. In order to fully utilize the assessments to get your child the services s/he needs, you need time to read the reports also. Do they reflect the child you know? Many parents wait and receive the reports at an IEP Team Meeting. Having to listen to someone read a report to you, think about it, and discuss it intelligently is a lot to ask of yourself.
In Writing, Request That You Receive All Reports 5 Days Before The IEP
We always ask that, and have never received it. Why ask? Because if we ask for five days, we typically receive them at least two or three days before. If we simply ask to receive them before the meeting, sometimes we would get them the morning of the IEP Team Meeting.
Postpone The IEP Meeting If You Do Not Receive The Reports In Advance
Yes, it is that important. Postpone in writing and list the reason why. That way you have documentation of why you have rescheduled the meeting.
For more information about special education advocacy services or for a FREE 30-minute consult, call or fill out our contact form.
As parents, we understand, As experienced and trained advocates, we can help.
https://www.facebook.com/aspireadvocacy