A “hack” is an unusually creative solution to a programming problem or limitation. As you gain experience in a particular field, you learn new hacks that enable you to operate more effectively in that field. Here are three IEP hacks that most people do not know about.
EVERY aspect of an IEP is a team decision.
A lot of districts tell parents, “Here is the placement we are offering for your child. We only have to offer one appropriate placement.” There are several problems with this, the main one being that this is pre-determination and does not allow the parents to have meaningful participation in the IEP. Parents are full members of the IEP team, and they are entitled to know all the options the district is considering and to be made part of the decision-making process.
Write it down!
In special education, if it’s not written down, it never happened. Districts will often have important conversations with parents face to face. How does a parent document this and make it part of the record? Hurry to your tablet or computer, and write down exactly what happened. Then email it to the district and yourself stating, “Writing this down so it becomes part of the record.”
Use the IEP signature page.
There are fixed boxes on an IEP signature page where a parent can sign (or not). These boxes include, “I agree to this IEP” and “I agree with these exceptions.” If there are areas of disagreement, many parents do not sign the IEP at all. The problem with this approach is that it means the district will not implement any part of your child’s IEP, even the services and updated goals you have agreed upon and want for your child. The solution is to create your own box on the IEP.
Yes, you can do that!
What you will want to put next to the box depends on how the IEP is written and the areas of agreement. We recommend getting expert advice if you’re going to use this hack.
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