The IEP process is a lot for a teacher. There is SO much paperwork, so many important factors to add, to remember, language to use, and language to avoid. Plus, special education teachers have to do this for a LOT of students!
With all the volume of work surrounding IEPs, we often forget how overwhelming this process is as a parent.
Not only does this process determine a lot for their child, but it often includes a lot of procedures, language, and information that is foreign to them. While as teachers we want the process to go smoothly, we also have to remember the reason for the IEP in the first place: the student.
If our focus is on whatโs best for the student, we need to empower their family unit to advocate and support them the best way possible. How?
3 Ways Special Education Teachers Can Help Parents Become Advocates
1. Explain the IEP Process.
It would be really hard to advocate for your child if you did not fully understand the process or system of how to advocate. At some point, someone is the first special education teacher that a parentโs child has.
For some, this might be an early childhood teacher when a student turns 3 years old. For others, this might be a high school teacher as their child finally gets the IEP they need. At some point in a special education teacherโs career, they will be the first special education teacher for that family. Be the one to explain the process!
Explain the team members, their roles, the process of an IEP, what each section of the IEP is for and why it is important. When a parent really understands something, they can better share their thoughts on what it should look like. If a parent is completely in the dark on this process, there is no way that they can confidently share thoughts and input on what it should look like.
2. Send the Draft Home.
Before the IEP meeting, send the draft IEP home. Letโs repeat that: send the draft IEP home.
Many schools and school districts require a proposed draft IEP be sent home prior to the actual IEP meeting, but many actually do not. Regardless if it is required, in order to help parents advocate for their child and have the opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns, and everything else – sending it home gives the parents all of the same information the IEP team has prior to the IEP meeting.
Best practices for sending home the proposed draft IEP:
- A proposed draft IEP should include only the Present Levels and proposed IEP goals and objectives/benchmarks.
- Send home the draft IEP a minimum of 3 school days prior to the scheduled IEP meeting.
- Go over the draft IEP with the family prior to the IEP meeting.
Draft IEPs are an important part of the IEP process. As the law indicates, the final IEP should not be created without the consent and presence of the IEP team โ and that includes parents.
3. Give Opportunities to Ask Questions and Share Concerns.
In IEP meetings, things can often feel rushed and when the dreaded, โDo you have any questions?โ time comes around it can really feel like, โPlease donโt ask any questionsโ time.
Instead of asking “Do you have any questions”, try, โWhat questions do you have?โ This flips the script. This changes the vibe to expecting questions, to inviting questions, and says, โI have saved time for questionsโ.
Using an IEP Meeting Parking Lot, like the one on the right, is also a great way to keep documentation in one place… AND have space for other topics that come up during an IEP meeting that need additional time or further research.
While advocacy may feel like a burden for you as the teacher, it truly is the best way to empower your students and the families you service. If your studentโs family is knowledgeable about the IEP process and an empowered advocate for their child, it is a step towards self advocacy and self determination for the student.
IEP writing shouldnโt feel like guesswork! Inside The Intentional IEP, youโll get access to the expert-led trainings you should have learned in collegeโcovering everything from data collection to goal writing and implementation. Pair that with a standards-aligned IEP goal bank and time-saving resources, and youโll finally have the clarity and confidence you need to write strong, effective IEPs. Join today and start learning what they didnโt teach you in school!