THE IEP PROCESS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE

1. THE IEP PROCESS:A PRACTICAL GUIDE Rural Champaign County Special Education Cooperative October 7, 2011

2. Presented by: Michelle Todd Hodges, Loizzi, Eisenhammer, Rodick & Kohn LLP3030 Salt Creek Lane, Ste. 202, Arlington Heights, IL 60005Phone: (847) 670-9000 Facsimile: (847) 670-7334 23 Public Square, Suite 260, Belleville, IL 62220Phone: (618) 355-7850 Facsimile: (618) 355-7851 401 SW Water Street, Suite 106, Peoria, IL 61602Phone: (309) 671-9000 Facsimile: (847) 670-7334www.hlerk.com

3. The IEP Process: A Practical Guide The single most important student related meeting any school ever convenes. Dissecting the IEP process • Making meetings more productive • Making meetings more conducive to student achievement • Preparation of a defensible IEP

4. The Keys to a Successful IEP Meeting The First Key: Preparation A. Internal steps Complete assignments and assessments Select participants and prepare agenda B. External steps Send proper notice and documents Address staff availability Address parent concerns and evaluations

5. The Keys to a Successful IEP Meeting The Second Key: Management A. Introductions B. Opening the meeting Sign in C. Review the agenda Discuss student’s strengths and needs Refer to assessments and prior goals

6. The Keys to a Successful IEP Meeting The Second Key: Management(Cont.) D. Evaluation issues Use brief summary of evaluation Parent evaluation E. Goals and benchmarks Measurable goals – No Exceptions Specify evaluation process to be used F. Programming issues Accommodations and modifications Consider assistive technology

7. The Keys to a Successful IEP Meeting The Second Key: Management(Cont.) G. Related services Specify minutes and goals Identify personnel Discontinue service H. Transition Plan Need for student participation/input Prepare a BIP I. State and local assessments J. ESY

8. The Keys to a Successful IEP Meeting The Second Key: Management(Cont.) K. Parents kept informed L. Placement and Least Restrictive Environment Description of IEP Discuss amount, location and manner of service Consider less restrictive options first Consider the “four factors”

9. The Keys to a Successful IEP Meeting The Second Key: Management(Cont.) M. Additional comments This is a critical component of the IEP Note key areas of disagreement Write detailed explanation Continuing debate N. Miscellaneous concerns Candor is critical

10. The Keys to a Successful IEP Meeting The Third Key: Follow-up A. Conclusion Document disagreement B. Paperwork Send copy of IEP and attachments C. Post-meeting issues Communicate with staff as to obligations Docket future evaluations, reports to parents

11. The Keys to a Successful IEP Meeting The Fourth Key: Philosophy A. A top-down process B. Variety of school functions Workload Class size Least restrictive environment C. Integrating the IEP process D. The IEP meeting as the public face of the district E. The IEP form

12. QUESTIONS?

13. THANK YOU! Hodges, Loizzi, Eisenhammer, Rodick & Kohn LLP3030 Salt Creek Lane, Ste. 202, Arlington Heights, IL 60005Phone: (847) 670-9000 Facsimile: (847) 670-7334 23 Public Square, Suite 260, Belleville, IL 62220Phone: (618) 355-7850 Facsimile: (618) 355-7851 401 SW Water Street, Suite 106, Peoria, IL 61602Phone: (309) 671-9000 Facsimile: (847) 670-7334www.hlerk.com HLERK#207565