Collaborative IEP Meetings

1. Collaborative IEP Meetings SEPAG Meeting 2/6/2018

2. Actions Speak Louder Than Words Let’s take a look at actions that make for collaborative IEP meetings versus non-collaborative IEP meetings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu4KnwNu1Rw

3. IEP Meeting Protocol for Staff Members Before IEP Meetings: • Let parents know the purpose of the meeting • Invite parents to bring anyone they wish. • Let parents know who will be there from the school • Schedule convenient time and location, and ample time for meeting • Ensure parents have received relevant documents to review prior to meeting • Keep parents advised of progress on an ongoing basis – an IEP meeting is a bad place to spring a surprise.

4. IEP Meeting Protocol for Staff Members During IEP Meetings: • Parents feel welcome. • Everyone introduces themselves and explain why they are there. • Speak in clear, plain language – avoid jargon and discipline-specific terminology • Have specific materials available that are referred to readily available • Focus on the child’s individualized needs • Listen carefully. • Maintain confidentiality – don’t discuss other students. • Don’t hurry. • Be honest and trust that the parent is also. • Be willing to say “I don’t know” and do follow-up research as needed.

5. IEP Meeting Tips for Parents • Prepare notes about what you want to learn/find out at the meeting. • Prepare notes about what you want your child to learn in school. • Ask for additional time to consider important decisions if you’re uncomfortable making them on the spot at the meeting or want to get additional input. • Consider bringing someone along as a source of support. • If compromising, define how and when to evaluate if compromise is working. • Try to remain calm. • Saying “I don’t know what you mean” is a demonstration of confidence and competence. • Ask for another meeting if all of your questions/concerns have not been addressed.

6. Questions/Comments