Synchronizing the availability of team members for Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings can be a daunting task. Fortunately, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 permits alternative means of conducting such meetings. An ex-ample of an alternate means is a telephone conference, whereby parents communicate over the telephone to the rest of the IEP team who remain at school. This article will re-view advantages and disadvantages to telephone conference IEP meetings as well as pro-vide specific guidelines and suggestions for successful meetings.
Can I postpone an IEP meeting?
The special ed case worker states that an IEP meeting cannot be postponed! That seems ridiculous. The law says the IEP needs to be reviewed at least annually, and more often if necessary. The IEP Team can convene, and agree to re-convene after receiving the new testing results.
How many IEP meetings do I need to create an IEP?
The IEP Team can convene, and agree to re-convene after receiving the new testing results. There is no limit to the number of IEP meetings that may be needed to create an IEP that meets your child’s needs.
Can a caseworker attend an IEP meeting on my behalf?
It isn’t against the law for a caseworker to attend an IEP meeting as long as the school understands the limits of her role, that s/he is not acting on the parent’s behalf. Re: contacting the GAL. Make a log to document your attempts to contact him/her – date, time, method of contact (email, TC, etc), outcome.
Can a parent request that the IEP team meet?
A parent or teacher can request that the IEP team meet to review and revise the IEP when new information is available about the child (i.e. when new evaluations have been conducted). The history of Public Law 94-142, now IDEA, states that “there should be as many meetings a year as a child may need.”
How do you present an IEP meeting?
Introduce yourself and invite the other team members to do the same having them state their relationship to the student. Welcome the parent and give them a copy of parental rights. Set time parameters. Communicate with the team that if all agenda items are not addressed, another meeting may need to be held.
Which of the following persons is not required to be in attendance at the IEP meeting?
Terms in this set (20) An individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results is no longer a required participant on the IEP team.
Can IEPs be emailed?
Before you hit “send” Here are some tips for using email to discuss and handle your IEP concerns and requests. Can a school use e-mail to send out IEPs and related information? Yes.
How does the team prepare for an IEP meeting?
Pull out your copies of official documents, including your child’s current IEP, recent progress reports, and report cards. Collect samples of your child’s homework, tests, and notes from the teacher. Gather your own notes and observations, too. (An IEP binder is a convenient way to keep all this stuff in one place.)
What is the role of a principal in an IEP meeting?
Principals must always take care to thoroughly understand and properly follow the requirements of state policies. This is important not only to protect the principal from disciplinary action, but to ensure every special needs child receives appropriate services.
What is the role of the special education teacher in an IEP meeting?
Beyond helping to write the IEP, the special educator has responsibility for working with the child to implement the IEP. He or she may: work with the child in a resource room or special class devoted to children receiving special education services; team teach with the child’s regular education teacher; and/or.
Do IEPs need to be locked?
The IEP cannot be locked until all assessments have been completed.
What happens if parents don’t want to participate in an IEP plan?
If you can’t attend, the school must reschedule the meeting. Federal law states that schools “must ensure that the IEP Team … includes … the parents of the child.” Schools must give enough advance notice for parents to have the opportunity to attend.
How are teachers made aware of an IEP?
Some school districts have programs that make the IEP viewable through their digital class lists. Sometimes, it is the special education teacher’s job to make sure that the information is given to the other teachers with their students.
What does an IEP meeting look like?
With annual IEP meetings, the focus will be more on the student’s overall progress. The school and parents will look at the child’s present level of performance. This is based on data like grades or test scores. Then, the team will review progress toward annual goals and the student’s individual supports and services.
What should teachers do before an IEP meeting?
For Educators – Prepare for the IEP Meeting Invite parents to bring anyone they wish. Explain who will be there from the school and why. Ask the parent(s) if anyone has been left out. Schedule convenient time and location, and ample time for meeting – very disruptive to have people coming and going.
What are the five factors that need to be considered at every IEP meeting?
IDEA lists five special factors that the IEP team must consider in the development, review, and revision of each child’s IEP: behavior, limited English proficiency, Braille and children with blindness or visual impairment, communication needs (especially important for children who are deaf or hard of hearing), and …
Who comes to an IEP meeting?
The law requires a specific group of people — called the IEP team — to attend every IEP meeting: A parent or guardian of the student. At least one of the student’s general education teachers. At least one of the student’s special education teachers.
Who are the central members of the IEP team?
IEP Team Member.Responsibilities.Student’s parents: A biological parent,Special education teacher or special.education provider (e.g., related service.personnel): An educator with expertise.General education teacher: A general.Representative of the local educational.More items…
What is IEP in California schools?
The IEP contains a written statement describing the child’s present educational performance; annual goals for development; specific services to be used; dates to begin and duration of those services; criteria, schedules; and procedures for evaluating whether those objectives are being met.
What are the components of an IEP?
Legally Required Parts of an IEP1 – The Student’s Current Educational Status. … 2 – Measurable Annual Goals. … 3- A Description of How the Child’s Progress on Annual Goals Will Be Measured. … 4 – A Statement of the Special Education and Related Services and Supplementary Aids and Services.More items…•
How to conduct an IEP meeting?
Remote IEP meetings, may they be through teleconference or web conference, may have pitfalls that cannot be overlooked. Both families and districts should keep these in mind to assure a successful IEP meeting: 1 Don’t Overlook Formalities. Don’t forget to introduce IEP team members and state the purpose of the meeting. Always distribute agendas via email before the meeting. 2 Remind Participants to Speak Clearly and One at a Time. This may seem like a commonsense item. However, it is important to remind meeting participants about the importance of this courtesy on a phone or web conference. 3 Prep the Tech. Always make sure that the microphone or camera work. Test the equipment in advance to assure that it works during the meeting. 4 Frequently Check-In with the Family: It always pays dividends for the district representative to check-in with the family to confirm they are following along. It is incumbent upon the district representatives to repeatedly check-in with the parents throughout the meeting—even more than a face-to-face meeting.
How to meet with parents with disabilities?
Some parents may prefer using the phone whereas others may be amenable to a web conference using a camera and computer or phone audio. Web conferencing is preferred, as participants can see each other. Consider using a conference tool that allows both phone and web conferencing. Always make sure the web conferencing tool is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant for parents and IEP team members with disabilities. Additionally, if the family’s native language is not English, make sure an interpreter is part of the phone or web conference.
What is EDPlan?
EDPlan is a suite of tools and services from PCG that helps you promote a plan for student success— in special education, academics, behavior, and beyond. EDPlan’s features have been designed in partnership with teachers, education professionals, and project management experts; it is used in more than 30 states, supporting thousands of schools and districts nationwide. Within EDPlan is our IEP case management system, EasyIEP. It is the country’s leading web-based special education case management tool, used by over 3,500 districts across the country to achieve and maintain federal and state compliance and improve processes and procedures.
What is EDPlan Connect?
EDPlan Connect is our all-in-one caregiver portal that promotes increased family involvement in a child’s education. Whether it’s signing an Individualized Education Program (IEP), consenting to bill Medicaid, or prescribing services via Order/Referral, with EDPlan Connect, caregivers now have a central place to access student records online and in their native language; sign documents electronically and save time; receive automatic and personalized notifications from other key stakeholders; and stay up to date with student progress.
Can IEP members be excused?
The same protocols for attendance at a traditional IEP meeting apply at a virtual one. IEP members who cannot be in attendance must be excused. All attendees of the IEP meeting must sign-in. In a virtual meeting, districts may consider circulating a copy of the attendance sheet at the beginning of the meeting via email, requesting that participants print, sign (in blue ink), and send a photo with their smartphone or scan and send it back. This process should occur as soon as feasible.
Is the US Department of Education offering timeline waivers?
1 As of the time this document has been written, 3/18/2020, the US Department of Education has not offered districts guidance on timeline waivers. In addition, consult with your state education agency about how COVID-19 closures and off-site learning may impact timeline calculations.
Can IEP meetings be remotely conferencing?
Remote conferencing options can enable school districts to be compliant with meeting IEP timelines during public health-related school closures. 1 Should a district decide to conduct its IEP meetings virtually, there are some important considerations it must weigh:
When should an IEP be in place?
The IDEA says an IEP should be in place for each child with a disability at the beginning of the school year. This is April. A new school year will begin in August or early September. The “shelter in place” requirements will ease up after COVID-19 runs its course.
How to create an IEP?
There is no limit to the number of IEP meetings that may be needed to create an IEP that meets the child’s needs. Write a letter to the school. Describe your concerns about your child’s lack of progress and your fears about his future. Request a meeting to revise his IEP after reviewing evaluation results.
What is the complaint against the DOE?
This parent indicated that a formal complaint was filed with the DOE (Department of Education) as meaning at the State level. The concerns are that the DOE is not appropriately doing its job to hold the LEA (school district) accountable for the failure to following IDEA (law) for progress monitoring. Instead the DOE are making “accommodations for the district with no accountability.” The response for what you can do is not to file a complaint with OSEP against the DOE for its failure to follow IDEA to make sure that all of the children in its jurisdiction having a disability is receiving a free appropriate public education (FAPE). The continued violation of progress monitoring to the parent denies the parental rights. DOE has a commitment to the federal court to remedy noncompliance.
How long are IEPs good for?
IEPs are good for one year so the new date reflects one year after the current meeting. Just like if you had the meeting early, you would change the date of the annual to the earlier date.
What to do if you have not sent a letter to the district special education director?
If you have, you can take this up the “chain of command” and/or to the state education agency. Your state parent training and information project can assist you. http://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center
What are the idea rules?
The IDEA rules allow the use of an amendment process like what you are describing for certain actions. Your state parent training project can tell you if your situation falls within the state’s rules on this. http://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center
Can Lisa and her husband postpone a meeting?
Lisa you and your husband are allowed to postpone the meeting. The school may be hesitant now because the meeting is the week after. School likely does want to make sure her IEP is up to date. Write them a letter and list some days that you are available and make sure you that put on the paper that you want them to respond within a certain amount of time.
Why is it important to have family involvement in IEP meetings?
It is important to offer chances for family collaboration with district staff to learn more about student needs at home and how to provide appropriate, individualized support for the child.
Who gathers in person for individualized education?
Educators, parents, and students usually gather in person at school for individualized education program meetings, but digital tools can be used for this work.
Why do we need a digital agenda?
Having a digital agenda can help to make the transition to web conferences run smoothly— a concise list of items can be helpful to all members of the team to know what will be discussed next. This agenda should be prepared and shared in advance of the meeting to ensure proper input from all team members.
Do you have to include parents in IEP meetings?
8. Don’t forget parental input outside of IEP meetings: As educators and administrators are trying to assemble appropriate work for students with disabilities, it is crucial to remember to include families in this process. While families are always considered during IEP meetings, they should be encouraged to be part of the instructional planning, too. It is important to offer chances for family collaboration with district staff to learn more about student needs at home and how to provide appropriate, individualized support for the child.
Can students share their screen?
Students can actively participate or simply listen to the discussion. If students are given the ability to share their screen, they can display work they have completed throughout the year, which may lead the team to discover areas of strength or skills where a student feels they need more support. 7.
Can you send an invitation to your parents?
Invitations can be sent to parents so they can access the meeting through their camera-embedded device or phone. Some parties may wish to phone in instead if that’s possible or to disable the camera function during the meeting and proceed with audio only, to maintain additional privacy. 2.
Can Google Hangouts be used for video conferences?
2. Consider web conference alternatives: Not every family will have access to video conferences. Google Hangouts offers the opportunity to create conference calls using both phone numbers and email addresses. School staff can be invited through their work emails and parents can be called through their preferred number.
Who can invite to a team meeting?
Both the parents and the school can invite to the Team meeting individuals who have “knowledge or special expertise” regarding the child. The inviting party determines that the person being invited has that knowledge/expertise.
What to do if your school doesn’t agree?
If it’s not (or the school doesn’t agree), invite in another outsider. You can invite a friend, and tell the school they’ll be there for note taking and moral support (rather than to advocate – which may put the Team even more on guard). Or invite someone higher up in your district’s food chain, like the special ed director.
Can parents be part of the IEP team?
Parents are to be part of the IEP team, so the school should try to work with the parent. I suggest contacting the district special ed director, & requesting that an arrangement be made where you can be present. Options – meet away from the school (public library, another campus, or administration building) or participate by phone or skype. Make your request in writing for documentation.
Do you have to notify someone in advance of an IEP meeting?
With whomever they invite, they must notify you in advance. There ARE some things you can do to change the tone of the meeting. If IEP facilitation is available in your are, that may be a good option. Teams are often better behaved when bad behavior will be witnessed by someone outside the Team.
Can a school invite anyone?
So basically the school can invite whomever they want (unless it would violate your child’s privacy under IDEA or FERPA). With whomever they invite, they must notify you in advance.
Can parents invite anyone to a party?
The parents can invite whoever they want. There is no law to say who they can or cannot bring with them.
Can parents invite people to school?
Yes. Parents, & the school have the right to invite people that can provide information & input to assist in making decisions.
IEPs Are Necessary For Special Education Success
Well crafted student IEP plans have a purpose. They are held to ensure student advancement year to year is appropriate, to review progress on goals, to update goals to be aligned with new grade level standards, to provide supports and interventions, and to change things as needed.
How Often Must IEPs Be Held?
Per federal law, IEP meetings must be held at least annually. This means that at least one time a year, a student IEP meeting with a general education and special education teacher (if applicable), administrator, psychologist, and/or other relevant personnel must be scheduled.
What Does a Parent Do If No Annual IEP Meeting Occurs?
Parents need to contact their school if the yearly student IEP meeting does not get scheduled properly. The legal obligation to hold the meeting annually must be asserted, and a demand for an IEP meeting made.
What If a Parent Does Not Like the Dates Proposed for the IEP?
A parent is a critical member of the IEP team and school districts are supposed to work collaboratively to determine an IEP date. However, if a school district proposes date after date, and the parent just won’t commit, it is possible an IEP meeting may proceed without the parent.
No Free and Appropriate Education Without Annual IEP?
Lack of IEPs annually could easily be a breach of a student’s legal rights as this could impact progress for the student. A school district may find itself in hot water for not convening a student IEP meeting timely.
How to request an IEP meeting?
Who can attend an IEP meeting? 1 The school team can choose which teacher (s) will be available for the IEP meeting. If you have a specific teacher that you feel should participate in the meeting, you should make this request in advance. There is no guarantee. Explain why this provider’s input is needed. You can also request written updates from any teachers who cannot attend. 2 The LEA is often the school principal, but will sometimes be a director of special education, or program specialist. If you aren’t sure, just ask. Again, you have no right to ask for one LEA over another. 3 You hold the right to excuse mandatory team members for all or part of the meeting. The LEA needs to make all mandatory team members available for an IEP meeting within the statutory timelines. 4 A parent (or any member of the IEP team) has the right to invite someone with “knowledge or expertise” regarding the child. Yes, it’s very vague. But that also means that if you Ex invites his new girlfriend, she gets to come. That’s a family law issue, not to be handled by the IEP team. It also gives the school the right to invite personnel you may not like. Again, learn to rise above it.
Why do I have large numbers of staff attend an IEP meeting?
Having large numbers of staff attend an IEP meeting is often used as an intimidation or bullying technique. I’ll address that in a minute. But, it also happens that many times essential personnel are absent from the IEP meeting. That can rob the meeting of valuable input and opinions.
What does LEA mean in IEP?
Many times when you start an IEP meeting, a staff person will say “And I’m the LEA today.”. That means that that person is designated to represent the district. They get the final say at the meeting as far as what the district is going to agree to.
What to do when you RSVP to a meeting?
When you RSVP to the meeting, be clear in your RSVP who you expect to be there. If there are names on the list you do not recognize, email them back and ask what their role is and what their connection to your child is .
How to get over an IEP?
As an advocate, my advice is just to do what you need to do to get over it. Have your data. Pray, meditate, run. Do whatever you need to do to calm yourself and center yourself so that you can be a confident, productive member of the IEP team. In my professional opinion, except in the most egregious of situations, you’re just spinning your wheels and wasting energy trying to get people to NOT come to an IEP meeting. I personally feel my time is better spent rising above it rather than trying to fight it. Besides, if their tactics don’t work, they’ll stop.
Is attendance required for IEP meeting?
ATTENDANCE NOT NECESSARY – A member of the IEP Team shall not be required to attend an IEP meeting, in whole or in part, if the parent of a child with a disability and the local educational agency agree that the attendance of such member is not necessary because the member’s area of the curriculum or related services is not being modified or discussed in the meeting.
Who has the knowledge or special expertise regarding a child?
at the discretion of the parent or the agency, other individuals who have the knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate; and