Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Educators are so used to speaking in acronyms that sometimes they forget they are using them without fully explaining what they mean. Be sure you understand what your student’s educational plan will look like and how progress toward the goals will be measured.
Discuss your student’s present level of performance; in other words, what can your student do now? You may also share what you feel are your student’s strengths, interests, and challenges. Be sure to share any concerns you have about your student.
Share your thoughts about student goals, provide input for developing your student's goals, and discuss needed services for the upcoming year.
Be sure to receive and review your notice of procedural safeguards (Parent rights). This document includes all legal rights for yourself and your student, answers questions about the IEP Process, and outlines steps to take if there is a dispute with the IEP document, IEP team, or school.
Ensure you understand what your student’s time in general education and special education will look like. How will your student be supported in accessing general education and interacting with their non-disabled peers? How and when will special education support be provided?
Although you must sign the IEP to verify your attendance, you are not obligated to sign the IEP at the meeting. You may take a copy of the IEP document with you to think through and process the verbal agreements reached in the meeting before you sign the document consenting to your agreement. Service changes will only start once parents have signed the IEP document consenting to the agreed-upon services.
