IEP meetings can be very overwhelming for everyone involved. I know when I was a first year special Ed teacher o was definitely panicking during my first IEP. The whole process was very overwhelming and I had no idea how to best be prepared. Through trial and error and a lot of helpful tips, tricks, and information from #teachergram I think I have things down pat. Here is what I have found to be the most helpful in being prepared for each IEP:
1. Scheduling the IEP meeting for two weeks prior to the end of the IEP. This give parents/guardians the required two weeks to respond to the IEP while not needed to worry about the old IEP expiring. I also send out parent input forms at this time to see what parents are hoping to see in the IEP.
2. Review the IEP, recent data, grades, and connect with the team (school based team - general Ed teachers and service providers). I like to gather all the information and talk with the school based team to come up with a plan of what goals and objectives everyone thinks the student should work on. That way everyone is on the same page and has ample time to collect their own data.
3. Collect data and begin updating present levels. Once I know what goals and objectives I want to add to the IEP I can start collecting data. I also begin to update the IEP.
4. Next I being updating goals/objectives, accommodations/modifications, services, and placement. I personally update the IEP in order so that when one section is done I know I can move on and not get confused about which sections have been completed.
5. Send draft to entire IEP team the week before so everyone has time to read and understand the IEP before the meeting.
6. Review draft and make any last minute changes then I send the draft and other necessary paperwork home the night before as a reminder for the next days meeting.
This is what I have found to be the most helpful in being as prepared as possible for each meeting. This also makes it so I am spreading out the amount of time it takes so I am not stressed to finish everything right before the meeting.
1. Scheduling the IEP meeting for two weeks prior to the end of the IEP. This give parents/guardians the required two weeks to respond to the IEP while not needed to worry about the old IEP expiring. I also send out parent input forms at this time to see what parents are hoping to see in the IEP.
2. Review the IEP, recent data, grades, and connect with the team (school based team - general Ed teachers and service providers). I like to gather all the information and talk with the school based team to come up with a plan of what goals and objectives everyone thinks the student should work on. That way everyone is on the same page and has ample time to collect their own data.
3. Collect data and begin updating present levels. Once I know what goals and objectives I want to add to the IEP I can start collecting data. I also begin to update the IEP.
4. Next I being updating goals/objectives, accommodations/modifications, services, and placement. I personally update the IEP in order so that when one section is done I know I can move on and not get confused about which sections have been completed.
5. Send draft to entire IEP team the week before so everyone has time to read and understand the IEP before the meeting.
6. Review draft and make any last minute changes then I send the draft and other necessary paperwork home the night before as a reminder for the next days meeting.
This is what I have found to be the most helpful in being as prepared as possible for each meeting. This also makes it so I am spreading out the amount of time it takes so I am not stressed to finish everything right before the meeting.