How Inclusive Educators

Lead the IEP Process

This booklet will remind you what to do…

A MONTH BEFORE THE MEETING

Preparing families and students

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1. Have a conversation with the parents.
   • Let them know WHO is likely to be at the meeting.
   • Tell them about the typical FORMAT of the meeting.
   • Remind parents that they can bring ANYONE they wish to the meeting.
   • Determine WHERE the meeting will be held and be sure the family is comfortable with that location.
   • Let families know that they are welcome to SHARE a statement, or photos of the student to kick off the meeting.
   • Provide a QUESTIONNAIRE home for parents if they wish to fill it out.
   • Begin to help them plan a comfortable level of involvement in the meeting—whether that is presenting information, discussing strengths, needs and accommodations, or completely leading the IEP meeting.

• Invite all members (including family) to informally jot down what they wish to see on the new IEP.
• Send the draft out to everyone.
• Be sure if any reports will be shared that families have at least a week to read them before the meeting.*

*No one should be expected to read or process this kind of information while seated at a meeting. This way the meeting can be about making the changes that the parents would like to make.

THE DAY OF THE MEETING

Think about what it may feel like to be a parent walking into a room of professionals.

Some ideas include:

• picking the parent up at the office and walking with them.
• setting snacks out for people.
• if young students are present, having several activities ready so students can keep hands busy while participating.
• considering seating, lighting, and general comfort.
• being sure to greet and have name tags on for any team members that the family has not yet met.

THE DAY OF THE MEETING

Have them begin by sharing anything they wish.

Some families start with a video of their student demonstrating all that they can do.

Some families start with a statement of hopes and dreams.

The purpose of this is to ensure the meeting starts with the FOCUS being on a student that the family loves and cares about deeply.

Have the student kick off the meeting by talking about their strengths and progress.

For some students, creating a PowerPoint presentation might be a comfortable way to share.

Other students may wish to lead the entire meeting including introductions, progress, goals and a closing.

We suggest inviting students to their own IEP meetings at a very young age—it is the best way to teach students to be their own ADVOCATES. No matter what age or level of participation the student takes at the meeting, if they are present be sure to LISTEN to their ideas and suggestions.

THE DAY OF THE MEETING

• Be sure to focus the time on GOALS and being sure that all are in agreement with the goals.
• Share ASSESSMENTS and DATA across subject areas.
• Check in with all present. Does anyone have an issue with that goal?

THE DAY OF THE MEETING

Remember that anyone can request a break at any time.

AFTER THE MEETING

Send a simple note to the student and the parent. Thank them for coming! Let them know that you will be sending a finalized version soon (be clear on the date) and open the door for communication for any further questions or concerns they may have.

TIPS TO REMEMBER

• Don’t expect anyone to process a lot of information at the meeting.
• Don’t share reports and drafts for the very first time at the meeting.
• Partner with parents. Parents are equal members on the team and should be treated as such.
• Remember general and special educators are co-equal partners in the process also. Although the general education teacher might not lead the meeting, they are equally responsible for the content of the IEP and for carrying it out.
• Think like a parent! Think about how it might feel to walk into a room of professionals to talk about one of the most important things in your life—your child. Be thoughtful about your communication.
• The student is key! This means students should be invited, meaningfully included, and listened to.

Find more answers to your inclusion questions in...

The Inclusion Handbook Series

http://bit.ly/InclusionBundle

If you’re looking for practical guidance for your whole school team, check out the complete Inclusive School Practices series by Julie Causton & her colleagues.

The newest book in the series, The Educator's Handbook for Inclusive School Practices, will be out in July 2015.