IEP Advocate Special Ed Santa Clara
The right way to do an IEP
What is the right way to do an IEP? Well there is no one right way. There are a few wrong ways, but since every situation and student is unique, each IEP process and document will be also.
A few of the wrong ways are by being combative and non collaborative with the rest of the team. This goes for either the family or the school side. Getting angry and using “colorful” language will also shut down the team’s ability to make progress. Being deceitful and dishonest is most definitely in the “wrong” category for sure. While some of these may seem obvious, it can be quite difficult to maintain one’s composure when dealing with a stressful situation regarding a child with a disability.
So doing things “right” starts with maintaining a positive, or at least a neutral, composure during an IEP meeting. It is quite necessary to have your position made clear to the team regarding what you believe is appropriate for your student. Make an agenda, discuss your points, allow for questions to be asked and have valid, concrete reasons for any requests. But if the district decides to play difficult and/or there is staff member that appears hostile, do not react with the same attitude. Refuse to play at their level. Maintain your composure, make sure the meeting notes accurately reflect the discussion……and then move one.
IEP Advocate Special Ed Santa Clara
Documentation is the parents best defense against a district’s bad behavior. You can not change someone else’s behavior. But you can document it. This is also why recording every single IEP meeting is so important. You never know what may happen……
So the definition of an excellent IEP process is to stay in control of your emotions, know your federally mandated rights, be very clear of what you want/need to take place, document everything, record every IEP meeting, and expect professionalism from all staff members.This can be a tough process. Be prepared. And if needed, ask us for help!!
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