IEP Information, please read!!

WHY AN Individual Education Plan (IEP) IS SO IMPORTANT.....

Here is what is on an Individual Education Plan

• What the student will learn this year, that is what the educational goals are.
• Where he or she will learn this, whether in a regular classroom, alternative school, special class or somewhere else
• What services the school will provide. Whether the student will get speech therapy, physical therapy, counseling or other types of services.
• Whether the student will receive services year-round or only during the school year.
• When services will start, how often the student will receive services and how long these will last.
• Whether the student will have the same requirements for high school graduation as other students.

WHAT CAN A STUDENT OR PARENT DO AT AN IEP MEETING?

The most important thing you can do is ask for what the student needs. If you disagree with the goals for the student, speak up!

A parent (or student) has the right to a say on every part of the IEP. You can ask for different goals. You can ask for more time in the regular classroom, or more time in a special program. You can ask for extra services you feel the student needs. You can disagree that your student needs special education services.

As a parent, you can encourage your student to go to his or her own IEP meeting. Your child is very unlikely to go without you.

Schools are not required by law to do everything that you want, but they are required to show that they addressed your concerns.

GETTING READY FOR THE IEP MEETING If you don't feel comfortable asking for what you need, bring someone else to ask for you. Okay, we know that not everyone feels comfortable speaking to strangers. If you are one of those people, bring a friend. Everyone has an Auntie Martina or a neighbor named Joe who is perfectly willing to stand up to anyone at any time. Discuss with your student what it is that you want decided in the IEP meeting. What do you think are reasonable goals for a student?

For more information on students' involvement in their own IEP, click here.

For 33 tips on why go to an IEP meeting, what to do and your rights, click here.