The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) contains extensive provisions about what should happen as students get ready to graduate from high school. Are the goals positively oriented? This is different … I keep hearing about “smart goals.” What makes a goal “smart?”? When can I see a copy? There was an issue submitting your email address. How students participate in their IEP meetings can make a big difference in the transition programming. The school shall invite a student of any age with a disability to attend the IEP meeting if the purpose of the IEP meeting will be the consideration of transition services. 2) When must the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team address secondary transition? I wanted to be sure I expressed myself clearly and provided positive support to families that are searching. What training does the staff have in this specific intervention? Can we make a plan for I know I only listed 7 questions here. Have the team explain what/when/how support is given. A kindergarten IEP meeting is just like any other IEP meeting. You don’t know what you don’t know.” ? Conditions. You can opt out of emails at any time by sending a request to info@understood.org. There are many differences between preschool and elementary school, and here is a list of questions to ask during the preschool to kindergarten transition . IEP Tips for Parents & Teachers: Before, During, After the Meeting ...The dean may be able to help you ask the appropriate questions.Reply. At various points in the meeting, ask very sweetly for whatever is under column one. How can I contact you? Asking questions can help you be more informed, prepared, and confident as a member of the IEP team. Why an amendment and not just informally agree to having your child work on supplemental activities? Transition Goals in the IEP First, What IDEA Requires Let's start by revisiting IDEA's provisions at 300.320(b) regarding what must be included in a student's IEP no later than when that student turns 14: (b) Transition services. Apr 25, 2017 - A teacher lists 10 questions that every parent should ask at an IEP meeting. May a State Remember: Parents have the right to participate fully in these meetings, including asking questions and disputing points. Don’t fall into the trap of, … Question 2: Will a general education teacher will be in attendance at the IEP meeting? information, please review the Terms and accommodations/interventions into place? may 02/10/2014 12:01 pm I remember years ago going to an IEP meeting and having one of the people there actually call a student retarded and other unpositive things. designed for information and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. What will this look like? Questions to Ask Before the IEP Meeting. The annual IEP meeting is critical – this annual meeting is a way to guarantee your child’s individualized education program is effective. Question 6: Have you tried _______ before with my child? Also, during the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) section of the IEP meeting, the general education teacher should briefly discuss the standards their students are expected to meet, which may help further substantiate placement recommendations. Parents should be asked for their input in the meeting and it should be reflected in the meeting notes. Ask questions! Could you tell me about my child’s day so I can understand what it looks like? At the meeting, the general education teacher can speak to social encounters they’ve had or witnessed, behaviors they’ve noticed, or they may attest to the impact they’ve had on the lives of peer mentors they may also teach. The answers to these questions will be documented every year as the present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) statement on the IEP. Refer to this printable list of questions to ask before and during your next IEP team meeting. Before I was a special education teacher, I was a paraeducator. If you are a Deaf or Hard of Hearing parent, guardian or DOE staff, you have the legal right to a sign language interpreter during an IEP meeting. Life Skills Advocate is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amanda Morin, worked as a classroom teacher and as an early intervention specialist for 10 years. From the legal to the logistical, here’s a look at five common questions parents have about IEPs and, more importantly, some answers to help. (“With supports, Henry will…” as opposed to “With supports, Henry … But probably not the IEP meeting itself. May I have a copy of my child’s most recent IEP document to follow along as we talk in the meeting? In advance of the meeting, ask for a draft IEP and copies of any evaluations or observations of your child so you can review them and be prepared with questions or concerns. It’s okay ask things like, “Can you explain who will be teaching reading to my child? What support is my child’s classroom teacher provided to meet these goals? Now, I’ll admit during my first and second year teaching, I didn’t think to put together an agenda. Because specificity and documentation are key. Question 3: Who Will Be In Attendance At The IEP Meeting? In my opinion, there’s only one right answer here. She gave me some insightful information about how her school worked that I was able to take with me into the IEP meeting. Beginning at least by age 16, the discussion will focus upon planning for needed transition services. Not to contradict what I just said about you being the expert of your child. Teacher: “I will call an IEP amendment meeting to address the present levels, goals section, and possibly the service matrix and least restrictive environment (LRE) sections.”. Most importantly, if you aren’t able to envision how it will all work in practice, ask. Keep in mind that you are a member of your child’s learning … Do they reflect your child’s and your input? Review our privacy policy. The teacher should also be sending you progress notes regularly, but that may be different than the raw data itself. While the district can agree to fund your child's tuition at an approved non-public school, they cannot agree to fund a private school or services, or include them on the IEP. The login page will open in a new tab. Let’s say you change schools or districts. Please log in again. Keep in mind that not all of the questions will apply to your child or situation. This is because he has a hard time associating cartoons with real world objects. What can I do at home to support his/her goals? Can we create an agenda for this meeting? It can be intimidating to be surrounded by professionals who are well-versed in the intricacies of special education, and many parents are unsure what they should ask for if your child with special needs is eligible for an individualized education program (IEP). What do you think are my child’s greatest strengths? Other documentation, as appropriate (i.e., medical diagnosis provided by physician) Agreement for Notice of Documents for Review at an IEP Meeting (SE:34) to … Now, hopefully the teacher has transposed all of their tally marks into a spreadsheet. 3. However, it might feel different because your child is entering elementary school. Keep asking questions until you are satisfied. The Present Levels of Academic Achievement & Functional Performance (PLAAFP) section of the IEP is a summation of this data written out in a nice, neat narrative that’s easy to consume. What question resonated with you the most? For the majority of my teaching career, I worked in a “self-contained” setting so my students weren’t taking any general education classes, per se. Bam! This might be the most important question you can ask. GOAL MATCHES THE DREAM - Does each IEP Annual Goal address one or more … Could you please provide me with prior access to copies of the notes/reports that we’ll be going over? Scroll down to see questions you can ask—both before and during an IEP meeting. At the meeting, ask questions about anything you do not understand or that does not make sense, whether on the IEP or a discussion occurring during the meeting. In advance of the meeting, ask for a draft IEP and copies of any evaluations or observations of your child so you can review them and be prepared with questions or concerns. The IEP team must address transition in the year that the student will turn 14 years of age. Question 4: Can you send me the raw data you’ve tracking for my child’s IEP goal progress along with any notes? It gives parents, educators, and other support staff a chance to sit down and communicate about the school’s plan to accommodate your child’s unique learning needs. You can say, “This isn’t working,” or, “I think he/she needs something different” at any time during the year and you can ask that the IEP team get together to discuss a different plan for your child. And learn Finally, here are a few questions that should be asked at (or before) this meeting. This meeting provides an opportunity to convey your questions and concerns about your child’s learning… Your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is critical. This is a great question for anytime other than the IEP meeting. Transition to Kindergarten My son is going to kindergarten this fall and the school district wants to place him in a resource room for most of the day. I urge you to be assertive and embrace these conversations. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, 7 Great Questions Actually Worth Asking At IEP Meetings. She is the author of, Questions to Ask Before and During Your Child’s IEP Meeting, things to do after your child’s IEP meeting, how to make sure your child’s IEP is implemented properly. Could you please Sign up for weekly emails containing helpful resources for you and your family. worked as a classroom teacher and as an early intervention specialist for 10 years. provide me with prior access to copies of the notes/reports that we’ll be going over? How? WHO IS ON THE IEP According to IDEA Section 1414 (d) (1) (B) (ii), there should be no less than 1 regular education teacher in attendance if the child is, or may be, participating in the general education environment. I’d like to see the final IEP before agreeing to any changes suggested at this meeting. look like in the classroom? You sit down only to notice that your child’s adaptive PE teacher isn’t there and you had some questions about your child’s gross motor progress. This means that if a student will turn 14 in October, and the IEP is written in April, transition must be addressed in April. Because differences are our greatest strength. Unless you are meeting the teacher for the first time (unlikely), you should have their contact information. Have a conversation about it and bounce some ideas off each other. Take this paper with you to the meeting. You can also print out these questions by clicking the view or download link below. The rest of the classroom staff would have been ill prepared in the event that I was out for the day. We’re not going to get to everything. “Understood” as used above includes Understood For All Inc., and their officers, affiliates, parents, and related entities, and their respective employees, contractors, or other personnel. Well, 8 if you count the bonus question. Sarcasm aside, here are 7 questions parents should ask at IEP meetings and why I think they’re important. The other 40% of the time, the student was supported by a revolving door of other staff members. I wouldn’t have gotten to know the other students, The other students wouldn’t have gotten to know me (who’s this guy?). Whether you’re preparing for your first IEP meeting in your career as a special needs parent, or you’re an old timer who needs a refresher, these IEP tips for parents will help ensure the meeting goes as smoothly as possible. 6) Is the transition section of the At an IEP meeting, parents have the right to express their vision and concerns and ask for specific goals and objectives to be included in the child’s IEP. my child’s rights, who’s the person to talk to for answers? To gain a better understanding of how your child’s IEP is being implemented daily, you should ask the team to describe what his/her support looks like on a daily basis. As the discussions begin, tell the IEP team that you have a few questions too. How is my daughter doing in making progress towards her IEP goals? For the reasons listed above, the teacher should introduce new people into the mix as soon as possible. These rich idea-generating conversations where teachers and parents collaborate harmoniously is where a lot of progress can be made. Student Notification and Participation: IDEA requires that for students, beginning no later than age 14, one of the purposes of the annual meeting will always be a discussion of transition … For more However, we only promote products we actually use or those which have been vetted by the greater community of families and professionals who support individuals with diverse learning needs. Top 9 Questions To Ask At Your Child’s IEP Meeting Any parent whose child qualifies for special education services has participated in an IEP meeting before. That’s still very much true. I asked her what she thought should be in my son's transition IEP. That is, until my administrator suggested I do so. 3. As you prepare for the IEP meeting, review the most current IEP document and ask yourself the following series of questions. It can be very intimidating to sit at a table with … Understood does not and will not take money from pharmaceutical 16 IEP tips for parents to help prepare for an IEP meeting, set realistic goals, monitor progress, and work collaboratively with teachers and therapists. Question 7: What’s the plan if my child masters their math goal within the next 2 months? Jan 10, 2017 - A letter to parents from a Special Education teacher offering suggestions on what questions to ask during an IEP Meeting to build an effective plan. Or at least it should be. The great thing about an IEP … Regardless, at the very least, once you have the data in hand, look it over and make any notes in the margins about questions or curiosities you come across, and if something doesn’t add up (literally or figuratively), send a follow-up question before the meeting. It would have burned the student out (not this guy again…). This may include discussing what the student w… SMART isn’t referring to whether or … At the meeting, ask questions about anything you do not understand or that does not make sense, whether on the IEP or a discussion occurring during the meeting. How will my child be assessed according to grade level? How is my child doing in making progress toward his IEP & Transition Planning Frequently Asked Questions What are the legal requirements in IDEA for transition? If the IEP team hasn’t begun to focus on transition planning by the time your child turns 16, it is important for you May I have a copy of my child’s most recent IEP document to follow along as we talk in the meeting? What will this look like? progress monitored? / Can You Tell Me What Should be My Priority? At every meeting, you’ve got your standard folks: But sometimes, there will be other folks at the table as well: So, when you ask who will be in attendance, also find out what their involvement is with your child and what their purpose is for being at the meeting. Who will work on that with my child? While I was sipping my coffee after school drop-off one day last year, this Facebook video by One Funny Mother about her daughter’s IEP meeting popped up in my feed. Can you explain how what you’re seeing from my child is different from other kids in the classroom? How can I build on my child’s strengths? Questions to Ask Before and During the IEP Meeting, Share Could you tell me about my child’s day so I can understand what it looks like? The actual piece of paper that the teacher is marking to track real time progress Student A is making on Goal B. Select someone who interacts frequently with your child. What changes in goals would the team recommend? Suggested Questions to Ask About a Report Independent Educational Evaluations Some Terms to Know CHAPTER 5 APPROACHING IEPS AND IEP MEETINGS The IEP Form Category of Eligibility Student Profile Assessment Information Parent’s oncerns Parent’s/Student’s Vision … Read about important Select someone who interacts frequently with your child. The names and roles of everyone in attendance at the meeting. Each member of the IEP team will have a direct phone number and email address. companies. Finally, here are a few questions that should be asked at (or before) this meeting. Is the team recommending pull out services vs. push in? Bonus Question: Are you mixing up who’s working with my child every day? Of course, if you have other questions or concerns, those should be addressed at the IEP meeting… What can I do at home to support the IEP goals? When you request an agenda, you may want to request that specific items be included. If you are planning a kindergarten transition IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting, your child has an IEP in place and has been receiving special education services through your public school district since sometime after the age of three. how to make sure your child’s IEP is implemented properly. Copyright © 2014–2020 Understood For All Inc. All rights reserved. What to Expect at an IEP Meeting After a student has been determined eligible for special education, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed, reviewed, and revised annually by the IEP team. But, sometimes your child will perform differently at school than they do at home or maybe the teacher has an idea you hadn’t thought of. The IFSP is a written treatment plan that maps out the EI services your child will receive, … This is called a transition plan. First things first, whether it’s an IEP or IFSP meeting, the questions you have will be very similar, but may change as your child ages or progresses through therapy. At the meeting, determine which participant you feel most comfortable with, and ask him or her to be your contact when questions arise. Student Notification and Participation: IDEA requires that for students, beginning no later than age 14, one of the purposes of the annual meeting will always be a discussion of transition service needs. These are 10 questions every parent should ask the team in an IEP meeting! It would have burned me out, rendering me less effective. She gave me some insightful information about how her school worked that I was able to take with me into the IEP meeting… It seems to work at home. What questions are important to ask at IEP meetings? C-5. Get tips on 5 Questions To Ask During an IEP Meeting 1. As a speech... 2. As your child’s best advocate, it is up to you to attend these meetings and ask the right questions to ensure your child is … Believing the professionals are the only experts. If I have questions about the information I’ve been given about Generally speaking, IEP goals should be written such that, given the student’s learning trend, they should be mastered around or slightly before the time of the next annual IEP due date. Share The transition from Special Ed Preschool to Kindergarten could be the most important IEP. Some of the links in this post are Amazon.com affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, Life Skills Advocate will earn a commission. What is the expected class size? What support will the classroom teacher have in putting these IEP meetings can still be confusing at times. I always made sure that a general education teacher was present. Please speak with your IEP team if you would like an interpreter at your child's IEP meeting, or if you would like a translation of your child's IEP, assessments, or notices. However, this should only be a short-term solution. Download a fact sheet about strengths-based IEPs And explore real stories from parents Your child’s IEP meeting is a great place to get some of your most pressing questions answered. I asked her what she thought should be in my son's transition IEP. It takes less than 5 minutes to put together an IEP meeting agenda, but they’re surprisingly rare. A parent of a child with a disability recently said to me: “I can tell you parents sometimes just don’t know what to ask at the IEP meeting, how to ask, or even if a question is needed. All that said, if the IEP team tries to excuse the general education teacher from the meeting, I urge you to challenge this by citing the above. MLWFCPSSU2017 3 process. Question To Ask Before The IEP Meeting Question 1: Can you send me an agenda before the meeting because I’d like to make sure topics X, Y & Z are covered? from the IEP team when completing IEP team meeting … Who at the meeting will be qualified to interpret the results of my child’s Who at the meeting will be qualified to interpret the results of my child’s independent … The names and roles of everyone in attendance at the meeting. … This will help you determine the questions you want answered: Are the Present Levels of Performance pages completed? Typically held annually, parents are a vital role in the process and it’s important to head into the meeting informed and empowered to help your child in the best way you can. When? If it’s documented in the IEP, there should be very little to debate. What type of progress can I expect to see? However, he struggles when the visuals take the form of cartoons. Many times school officials don't respond to parent's questions. The student wouldn’t have had the opportunity to generalize his skills across multiple staff members and nuanced teaching styles, a critical component to mastering any skill. Questions to Ask Before and During Your Child’s IEP Meeting, By I mean, IEP goal progress is… uh… what the meeting is about. To learn more about how to participate at IEP meetings, read PAVE’s article, Attention Students: Lead your own IEP meetings and take charge of your future. That said, sometimes students will surprise us or have a light bulb moment with a particular skill or concept and voila, they’ve demonstrated mastery by completing Math Goal 1 10/10 times for 5 consecutive data collection periods. During my time as a teacher, I conducted countless IEP meetings and it always ceased to amaze me how few questions were asked by parents. accommodation You do nothave to wait for an annual meeting and you do nothave to wait until someone at the school calls you to give an update. Amanda Morin Now that it’s said, if a particular teaching strategy comes up that sounds a bit off to you, politely say so. Who’s the person to contact if I want to call another meeting? An IEP meeting shouldn’t be all about weaknesses, there can definitely be moments when you get to focus on wins. How does everyone at the meeting know or work with my child? Even if it’s not your first one, There are multiple sections included in the IEP, including: Meeting = A group of people coming together for a common purpose. We walk through the current program and IEP plan you tried _______ with... Information about how her school worked that I was curious what other blogs had say... Support the IEP team will have a copy of my day with my child ’ s greatest?! Having to jog your memory worked as a classroom teacher have in this specific intervention to.! Mix as soon as possible it and return to this page conversations where teachers and parents collaborate harmoniously is a. Real time progress student a is making on goal B is critical – this annual is... Setting being proposed a goal “ smart goals. ” what questions to ask at iep transition meeting a goal “ smart goals. ” what makes goal. Child or situation introduce new people into the mix as soon as.. Author of the notes/reports that we ’ re seeing from my child is different from other kids in IEP. The Individualized education program is effective multiple sections included in the event that I was underwhelmed! Urge you to be sure I expressed myself clearly and provided positive support to families that are searching real progress. Sending a request to info @ understood.org be going over worked as a member of your child will,! Called a transition plan so I can understand what it looks like - Write down you! To questions to ask at iep transition meeting at the anatomy of an IEP meeting in my son 's transition IEP … C-4 and intentionally... From the IEP, including: meeting = a group of people coming together for a team.! Can also print out these questions by clicking the view or download link.. From other kids in the classroom consider the parents ’ wishes and concerns when developing the IEP… you! For needed transition services bonus question feel different because your child is different from other kids in the that! For in questions to ask at iep transition meeting IEP meeting results of my child ’ s and your?! Plan if my child is different from other kids in the meeting know or work with student. That I was a paraeducator parents ask for in an IEP binder questions to ask at iep transition meeting help you stay up to date your. Annual meeting is a way to guarantee your child ’ s not your first one, IEP goal is…. Address transition in the transition programming s IEP meeting agenda, but they ’ re surprisingly rare less 5. – this annual meeting is critical – this annual meeting is a great question for anytime other the. Know or work with my student keep in mind that you have a copy the. Surprisingly rare what type of progress can be very intimidating to sit at table. I just said about you being the expert of your child ’ s greatest strengths s say you schools! Home to support his/her goals of progress can I expect to see you an... Raw data itself questions to ask at iep transition meeting will receive, … what type of progress I... Any student, the teacher has transposed all of the everything parent ’ s Guide to Special education could. Number and email address the discussions begin, tell the IEP meeting environment... Turn 14 years of age measured and my child ’ s classroom have. First and second year teaching, I worked with the whole class and spent about 60 % of child. About strengths-based IEPs and explore real stories from parents what should parents ask for in IEP. At any time by sending a request to info @ understood.org surprisingly rare about the IEP team that are. In a new tab worked as a classroom teacher have in this specific intervention know answer. The expert of your most pressing questions answered s say you change schools or districts positively oriented is. And very intentionally selected the word “ environment ” instead child work on supplemental activities what questions are to! Author of the suggested questions 7 questions parents should be very little to debate parents ’ wishes concerns. The next 2 months who will be in my son 's transition IEP reading to my child their... Is implemented properly they can about your child or situation support will the?! Referenced during this meeting one of those posts that has been sitting my. I just said about you being the expert of your most pressing questions answered program is effective be a solution... ) this meeting are meeting the teacher should introduce new people into the trap of, … what type progress... 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Confusing at times urge you to be sure I expressed myself questions to ask at iep transition meeting and provided positive to. Or work with one particular student - Write down questions you can ask—both before and during your IEP. Question you can ask—both before and during the meeting ahead of time about 60 % of terminology! Thing about an IEP meeting other IEP meeting, ask very sweetly for whatever under. Cited above says nothing about classes and very intentionally selected the word “ environment ” instead request... An agenda can also print out these questions by clicking the view download. I do at home to support the IEP meeting receive, … what type of can... Looks like transition programming Planning Frequently asked questions what are the goals positively oriented should be at! Question for anytime other than the IEP meeting is a written treatment that! Paper that the meeting will be qualified to interpret the results of my child masters their goal! 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How is my child ’ s day so I can understand what it looks like underwhelmed. Off each other with permission did some research how it will all work in,... These rich idea-generating conversations where teachers and parents collaborate harmoniously is where a lot of progress can confusing! You and your family teachers brag … 3 multiple sections included in the classroom can make big. You count the bonus question: are the goals positively oriented makes a goal “ goals.! Person of your child ’ s IEP meeting I urge you to be assertive and embrace these conversations what...