Tips for a successful IEP meeting

September 20, 6:23 PMReading, PA Special Education ExaminerJaclyn Kratzer

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A lot of parents say that every time a meeting comes around to update or change an Individualized Education Plan with their school district they are filled with anxiety. This is normal especially when a relationship between the parents and the school had been adversarial in the past. The relationship does not have to be that way though. All parties are, or should be, there for a common goal – the best educational interest of the student. Here are some tips that could alleviate some of the tension.

1. Ask if it is possible to meet somewhere off school grounds in a neutral territory. Then it is no ones “turf”.
2. Serve food and drinks. Something as simple like coffee and doughnuts puts others in a better mood.
3. Start a meeting with introductions that includes the person’s role on the IEP team.
4. Begin the meeting by having everyone say something positive about the student. Start off on a great note!
5. Stuck on a goal? Hear each side of the table and try to compromise in the middle. Ask for more data to be taken or tracked. Goals can be changed or modified in the future when it is reached or appears to not be obtainable. Make sure it is a concrete measurable goal. (More articles will focus on writing good goals.)
6. Try to meet team members outside of the yearly meetings. Get to know them as people and know their points of view. You don’t have to be their best friend, but if only meet with them once a year, it is hard to see why they think the way they do.
7. Write thank you notes after the meeting with something positive. Even if it is hard to do it will show them that you are willing to take a positive step.

These suggestions may seem simple. They will make a difference. Building relationships is the key.