Once the student agrees to take part in his IEP meeting, you can start planning together. Your student can take part in each of the basic planning stages:
Set the meeting date and location, and send invitations. Once you set the date, time, and place for the IEP meeting, send an email invitation to all members of the IEP team. Having the student compose and send the invitation will establish his leadership role in the meeting.
Review the current IEP with the student and his parents. Have the student decide what parts of the IEP are most important to him, where he’s made progress (and why), and what specific accommodations are helpful (or not). At this point in a student’s education, his long-term goals (such as college and career) should be folded into the IEP in the section called Individualized Transition Program (ITP). Encourage him to ask questions, and to express in his own words what he’d like to see in his IEP. Together, list the new and revised IEP goals and benchmarks.
Encourage the student to select technology to use in his IEP meeting planning and presentation. Again, suggest that he use technology he’s comfortable with, and share with him the Tech Tips for Teens, (see sidebar). Also, arrange for any audio-visual equipment you’ll need during the IEP meeting.
Draft the meeting agenda with input from the student. (Have him review the agenda from the previous IEP meeting as an example.) Consider having your student send the agenda to meeting participants, along with a meeting reminder, a week before the meeting.
Help the student map out his presentation for the IEP meeting, using organizational technology (e.g., graphic organizer) and presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint). Have him rehearse, revise, and refine his presentation as needed.
IEP Meeting Tech Tips for Teens
Play to your strengths when choosing technology for your IEP meeting. Choose mainstream technology you feel comfortable and confident using. Examples: digital photography, video or audio clips, and PowerPoint presentations.
Seeing is believing. Plan to demonstrate for your IEP team how you use a certain assistive technology tool to accomplish a specific task. Keep your demo brief but clear, and practice it in front of your teacher and/or parents.
Upgrade and update. Is there a new version of the AT tool you currently use? Have you discovered a mainstream technology application that might boost your learning and performance? (In today’s ever-expanding technology market, many applications are affordable or even free.) The IEP meeting is an opportunity to educate your teachers about the features and benefits of new technology.
Build an e-portfolio of your school projects and progress – a portfolio that reflects your individual talents, challenges, goals, and dreams. Transfer your portfolio to a CD or flash drive. That way you can use it to practice your presentation at school or home – and show it off at the IEP meeting. Add to your portfolio throughout the school year so it’ll be ready for your next IEP meeting.
Cada niño de la escuela pública que recibe educación especial y servicios relacionados debe tener un Programa de Educación Individualizado (PEI). Cada PEI debe estar diseñado para un estudiante y debe ser un documento verdaderamente individualizado. El PEI crea una oportunidad ... More >
Educación pública, apropiada y gratis”, nunca 4 palabras han tenido tanto poder para determinar las posibilidades de que un niño tenga una educación significativa. “FAPE” (siglas en inglés de “Free Appropriate Public Education) es el propósito central de nuestra ley fede... More >
Here are some suggestions to help you feel more at ease and able to participate as a full member of the team that plans your child's special education program.
Before the meeting
Build a positive relationship with at least one person on the IEP team, such as classroom teach... More >
Some of the statements made to parents at IEP meetings are “conversation stoppers” — comments that create barriers and can prevent the IEP team from working cooperatively to develop effective special education services and supports for students with disabilities. Here are nine ... More >
Conozco a pocos padres que anhelan asistir a la reunión del equipo del Programa de Educación Individualizado (PEI) de su hijo. Los PEI son difíciles de leer. Comprender el lenguaje y legalidad de un PEI puede ser abrumador. Muchos padres se sienten tan intimidados por este document... More >
My child is struggling 
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