By Joy at the Southern Schoolhouse
Now that you understand what to expect during an annual IEP meeting, how can you as a parent or guardian be a positive contributing member of the IEP team? Communication, kindness and flexibility are important characteristics to bring to the table.
Communication:
Your child’s case manager will contact you to set up the annual. Please respond to their communication promptly so that a date and time can be arranged that works for both of you. Once this date and time are settled, please be sure to sign the formal invitation that comes home or through email saying you will attend. This meeting should then be a priority on your calendar. We as case managers understand that last minute sickness or car trouble can occur, but it is important that the IEP does not lapse. Public schools have an obligation to follow the law and this includes doing our best to make sure our paperwork remains in compliance.
Once the meeting date is confirmed I would encourage you to have a phone conversation or email ahead of time updating any changes in medical information that is relevant to your child’s IEP. This is also a good time for you to express your appreciation as well as your concerns. Knowing your thoughts or updates is helpful as your child’s case manager begins to write the next annual IEP. For example, maybe understanding your child’s homework has become a big issue will prompt a conversation between the regular education teacher and special education teacher so problem solving or further accommodations could be added prior to the meeting. Also updating medical prescriptions and diagnosis ahead of time helps to ensure that the medical section is correct and prepped, saving time during the meeting.
As a case manager I also try to send out the proposed IEP ahead of time for the guardian to review. If your child’s teacher does the same, please take time to at least review the goals and present academic levels. This review will save a lot of time during the meeting.
Kindness:
Kindness matters. I would be amiss if I didn’t use this platform to promote kindness. I tell my fellow teachers that “more flies are caught with honey,” and this relates to the families too. I always feel bad when families come in with a “me against the school mentality.” It breaks my heart and I try to think that perhaps they have had bad experiences in the past with the education system. The most important thing to keep in mind is we are all on the same team, with the same goal: to grow your child. When you have concerns, questions, or suggestions, please present them kindly. You know your child best and your unique perspective should be welcomed.
Flexibility:
I try to teach my students flexible thinking but adults need it too. It is important to have an open mind when listening to data, observations and suggestions to improve your child’s education. Sometimes children act differently in different situations. Your child’s teacher is giving their perspectives which may be different than yours. As we present the information, keep an open mind so that all can work together for positive solutions. This goes in turn for the team. Your information is relevant and helpful. Many behaviors were turned around listening to my parent’s input.
Finally I want to let you in on a secret. Completing the IEP process from start to finish takes hours of preparation on the part of the teacher. Multiply this by a large caseload of students and you are looking at hours of time spent outside the classroom that are not paid. This is in addition to full time teaching and the preparation required to do this well. At my house, it is not unusual for me to come home, make dinner and then sit on my couch until bedtime preparing paperwork. Special Education teachers have hard jobs but they are made so much easier when we feel supported by our families as we work together advocating for children.
