An Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is a vital part of ensuring that your student receives the appropriate support and services in school. Whether you are a parent, guardian, or educator, understanding what to expect and how to prepare for IEP meetings can make the process smoother and more effective. Here are a couple things you can expect during your student’s IEP meeting and what you can do to ensure you are prepared:

What to Expect During an IEP Meeting

An IEP team is composed of school personnel who work with your student directly. At Focus Academy, this team primarily consists of the ESE specialist, teacher(s), therapist(s), and the parent. During the meeting, the IEP team will review your student’s current present level of performance, discuss progress on existing goals, and develop a plan for future services and accommodations. Key elements of the meeting include:

1. Reviewing Assessments and Classroom Progress – The team will discuss any recent, relevant evaluations or assessments, as well as how they are performing in class. Both of these areas offer insight into your student’s strengths, as well as any areas of needed growth.
2. Setting Goals – Based on assessments and classroom performance, the team will establish specific, measurable goals for the student to achieve over the next year.
3. Determining Accommodations and Services – The team will outline necessary accommodations, modifications, and specialized instruction that have been proven to help the student be successful in class.
4. Parental and Student Input – Parents and students (when applicable) are encouraged to share their insights, concerns, and preferences.
5. Available Agencies and Supports – Depending on your student’s age/grade-level, the ESE specialist will discuss different agencies and supports that are available to you and your student. It is important that you make note of this information as these tools will help you to make a plan for your student’s future. At Focus, our goal is not only to support families while their student is in attendance, but to also help you develop a plan for the future.
6. Finalizing the Plan – Once all aspects have been discussed, the team will finalize the IEP and determine a schedule for monitoring progress.

How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting

Being well-prepared for an IEP meeting can help you advocate more effectively for your student’s needs. Here are some key ways that you can make sure that you are well prepared for your student’s      IEP meeting:

1. Read Through Your Draft – For annual IEP meetings, the ESE specialist will send you a draft of your student’s IEP before the meeting. Reviewing this document ahead of time allows you to make note of any questions or concerns that you may have and would like to bring up during the meeting. Reviewing your draft also helps the meeting to run smoothly, as the team can focus more on discussing your concerns, answering your questions, and reviewing your student’s progress.
2. List Questions and Concerns – Write down specific questions or concerns that you have after reading the IEP draft that was sent to you. Also make note of any questions or concerns you have about your student’s progress with regard to academics, therapies, social skills, or independent functioning.
3. Gather Relevant Documents – Bring any recent reports, evaluations, medical records, or notes that may provide insight and updates regarding your student’s needs.
4. Communicate with Teachers and Therapists – Talk to your student’s teachers, ESE specialist, and service providers to gather their perspectives on strengths, challenges, and effective strategies. They may be able to provide you with some ideas on how you can help your student progress not only at school but also at home, in the community, and in the future.

By understanding what to expect and preparing in advance, you can ensure that your IEP meeting is a productive and collaborative process aimed at providing the best educational experience for your student. With clear communication and thoughtful planning, you can help shape an effective plan that supports your student’s growth and success.

• Meagan Zaharakes, Assistant Principal