How to write an effective Individualized Education Program (IEP)
By the staff of The Parent Information Center on Special Education
Published: Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Before we begin, we have to tell you that there is no one way to write an IEP. Nor do we have the “magic formula” to write an effective IEP. What we can tell you is that when the IEP Team works together, communicates effectively, and the IEP components are developed to meet the unique learning needs of your child, an effective IEP is created.
Writing an IEP can be difficult if you do not know the special education process or how to communicate effectively with other members of the team. The following are tips and strategies for being an effective member of your child’s IEP team.
<b>Provide evaluations.</b> The IEP team bases decisions on information from formal and informal evaluations, progress reports, report cards, and information from teachers, service providers and parental input. Share information from your child’s doctors/specialists or any evaluations you have had done outside of school. Doctors do not write IEPs. They may make suggestions regarding services and supports, but they must explain why these services are educationally necessary. IEP teams are not obligated to follow a doctor’s recommendations. However, doctors provide information that is important and can assist the IEP team in making decisions.
<b>List. </b>To prepare for your child’s IEP meeting, review each of your child’s tests, evaluations (including state or district-wide assessments), observations, progress reports, report cards and/or discipline reports. Make a list of your child’s strengths and needs, as well as any recommendations noted in the reports and evaluations.
<b>Review.</b> Review the draft IEP. Compare the draft IEP to the list you generated from the review of evaluation and reports. Are all of your child’s areas of needs (including academic and nonacademic, social/emotional/behavioral and communication) addressed? Are their strengths used to help build skills? Are the recommendations being used? Areas that are not addressed should be discussed at the next meeting. Use your original list as a way to help you to remember what you want to talk about.
<b>Remember.</b> Parents always have 14 calendar days to make a decision about an IEP or proposal by the IEP team. Take the draft IEP home and carefully go through it.
<b>Participate.</b> At the meeting, make sure you know everyone, and ask for introductions if necessary. While you will have information to share with the team, it is also important to listen to what others are saying. You can clarify statements that are made by asking questions or saying, “tell me more.” If terms are used that you do not understand, ask for explanations or examples. Never be afraid to ask questions. The best meetings occur when parents and educators are able to share information, ideas and concerns openly and honestly with each other.
<b>Stay organized. </b>Follow the agenda to help stay on track. Take notes and ask for copies of any paperwork discussed at the meeting, including any meeting minutes. Ask to schedule follow-up meetings, if appropriate, before leaving. Always be sure to thank your child’s IEP team members.
<b>Review again.</b> After the meeting, review your notes, meeting minutes and any paperwork to make sure that you have a common understanding of the decisions that were made. If there are inaccuracies or topics that were discussed at the meeting but not reflected in the minutes, document these in a letter and send it back to the school.
The Parent Information Center on Special Education (PIC on Special Education) can help you understand your child’s IEP. We have a variety of programs, workshops and tools that can help you to learn more about your role, rights and responsibilities in the special education process. We also have an IEP Meeting Tip Sheet with questions to help guide you in developing an appropriate IEP as well as an IEP Organizer to help you keep track of all of your child’s paperwork. For more information, contact us at 224-7005 or 1-800-947-7005 or at www.picnh.org.