Posted by Jessica Charlton on June 16, 2010

When should the IEP team meet?
It is best for the IEP team to meet in the spring to plan for the following school year and determine if that year’s goals were achieved. The IEP team meets every year to write the new goals and objectives for the academic year and review your child’s progress. The child must be re-evaluated every 3 years to determine whether he/she still requires the same special education or additional services.

What is your role as a parent in developing an IEP?
Because you are the parent, you understand and know your child’s needs. You are in the IEP meetings as your child’s advocate. You should ask questions if you do not understand something in the IEP and feel free to voice your opinion. Remember, however, that you are a member of the team, and everyone is there with different areas of expertise to help develop a curriculum for your child.

What should you take with you to an IEP meeting?
It is very helpful to have a notebook containing your child’s: previous IEPs, progress reports, report cards, grade transcripts, standardized test scores, disciplinary notices. You should also bring a list of things you would like in your child’s IEP, including skills and behaviors you want to improve, as well as a list of observations regarding your child, including interests, responsibilities, and self-care skills.

What should be included in an IEP?
The IEP should include a description of your child’s current level of academic achievement and functional performance—how the child is currently doing and how his/her disability impedes progress. It should also address measurable annual goals and how school personnel will measure progress toward the annual goals.

Also include special education and related services to be provided—including supplementary aids and services, as well as the duration of the services (including when, where, how often and how much). The IEP also needs to articulate participation in state and national assessments and
transition planning for after graduation or from Early Intervention.

How can you change what is in the IEP?
You may request a meeting with the IEP team if you feel your child is not progressing and needs more services or if you would like to modify the goals because he/she has done very well. You may also amend the IEP without meeting by drafting a written amendment and sending it to the LEA (school district representative). If everyone agrees, the IEP can be changed without meeting; however, the annual meeting must still take place.

For more information, contact Bama Hager at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it