Preparing for an IEP Meeting
It’s time for your IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting with your child’s school. Whether this is your first one or you’re a practiced pro, Online Reading Tutor has a few tips to help you get ready!
Write it down
Ensure that all of your communication with the school is in written form or otherwise recorded. During the meeting, bring a pen and paper for taking notes. If note-taking is not your thing, inform the school that you will be recording the meeting.
Be kind.
Kindness goes a long way to make sure you’re working as a team. Remember, education professionals WANT to see students improve.
Bring a friend
Having another advocate with you may help you feel more at ease allowing you to voice your concerns and opinions. In addition, a second set of ears may hear things that you do not. Let the school know in writing who will be with you.
Organize
Prepare a binder or folder to hold all of your child’s records. Some things you should include are:
Your communication with the school
Report cards
Testing scores and assessments both in-school and privately administered
Past IEPs
Student work samples
Do your Prep Work
Request all of your child's reports and records beforehand, including logs of work done based on the former IEP (if they have one). Writing a letter to the school detailing your child's strengths and challenges as you see them can let them know how you think they are doing in school and gives an opportunity to bring up any other items you feel need to be addressed once your meeting takes place.
Stay SMART
Ensure that the goals that are proposed are SMART:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Results-oriented
Time-bound
SMART goal example: By November 11, Sally will be able to orally explain class vocabulary words, with 80 percent accuracy, on 8 out of 10 tries. Her progress will be measured monthly.
Ask Questions!
Do you feel that more standardized testing needs to be done to provide a more accurate picture with recommendations? Do you think your child needs extra time to complete tests? Don't be afraid to ask!
Remember your goal should be to work as a team to help your child. It is important to be informed and prepared. Keep in mind that the professionals who attend the meeting have been working with students all day and may be tired. Looking for a few extra brownie points? Try bringing brownies! Serving educators is a great way to break down barriers and help everyone feel more at ease.
We at Online Reading Tutor look forward to the privilege of helping your child become a successful reader! Frequent training in our Orton-Gillingham based lessons achieves reading fluency much sooner than traditional tutoring.
