IEP meetings can be nerve-wracking… but they don’t have to be. The easiest way I have found to make IEP meetings less stressful is to be proactive and prepared. In this blog post I will share how I prep for IEP meetings, what resources I use (there are freebies!), and some of my favorite tips! So let’s get started!
Data
First things first; data. Our whole IEP meeting should be driven by data. How do I collect it? Well it depends what sort of data I am looking for. My general data for I use for IEP goals is my Editable IEP Goal and Objective Data Collection Form that I use in a spreadsheet format. When I am looking for more specific data I may use something like an ABC data form, or a pre-k assessment tool. All of these tools help me develop my present levels that will help drive my IEP goals. I also collect data/input from my my student’s parents/guardians as well through this FREE parent guardian IEP input form.
Pre-Meeting Forms
That’s not the only thing I give parents/guardians. For many of them it is their first time being at the IEP table besides their initial meeting. As we all know, there is a ton of fancy lingo, laws, and protocols when it comes to IEPs. I make sure when I send the draft home (I will get into that next) with a Parent Guardian IEP guide.
The Parent Guardian IEP Guide explains the basics of IEPs by answering what is an IEP, who receives an IEP, and how long does an IEP last. It includes a list of common IEP terms and acronyms, an editable page to include more resources and contact information, and brief summary of the different parts of an IEP. Although we review all of these things in the meeting, it helps parents/guardians have a better foundation before the actual meeting
Sending the Draft Home
Okay this one always seems to be a hot topic. Yes, I said the draft home and you should too! If your draft contains just present levels and proposed goals you are NOT predetermining services. You are presenting data and potential goals (that can be changed) based on that data.
Why do I send the draft home? Well for starters it is best practice. Walking into any sort of meeting without any information is a little nerve-wracking. By providing the draft, parent guardians have time to process the collected data, formulate any questions, and collaborate with their private team. By doing this it allows the meeting to go much smoother and even faster!
Meeting Forms
So now it is time for the meeting. In order for the meeting to run smoothly you need to have a sequential plan. That is where a meeting agenda comes into play. I would be lost without my FREE IEP Meeting Agenda. It allows to pace ourselves efficiently, stay on topic, and also provides another piece of documentation. So many times we find ourselves getting off topic and it is so easy to just references the agenda to get the team back on track.
IEP Binder
My favorite hack is an IEP Meeting Binder. Keeping a binder with all of the potential IEP forms both teacher or district made makes you ready for any situation. I have been in many meetings prior to to having an IEP binder where I forgot to print a form and had to rush to make a copy. With an IEP binder there is none of that stress! I organize my binder by different forms with binder divider tabs. To take a peek into my binder watch my IEP binder reel on Instagram HERE!