When we talk about IEP meetings, we are most commonly talking about the annual IEP meeting where services and goals are updated or introduced to help a student over the course of the next calendar year. While those are the most common type of IEP meetings, there are other types of meetings that fall under the IEP category that are equally as important and significant to a child’s progress in the school system.
Although not all of the different types of IEP meetings may apply to all of your students, it is a good idea to understand when meetings can and should be called, as well as what the different meetings are designed to address.
Understanding the Different Types of IEP Meetings
The different types of IEP meetings below are the most common ones, but there may be occasions when you need to meet that are not listed below. Use them as a reference or guideline and select the meetings that are most helpful for you and your students.
Annual IEP Meetings
An annual review IEP meeting is an important meeting that reviews and updates a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). It gives parents the opportunity to work with school staff to make sure the child is making progress toward their goals. During the meeting, parents have a chance to discuss any concerns or successes they may have noticed in their child’s education.
The team can then make any necessary changes to improve the child’s learning experience and ensure they get the best possible education. It’s also a great opportunity to build relationships with the school staff who works with the student. In short, an annual review IEP meeting is an important part of making sure that your child is receiving the best education possible.
New IEP Meetings | Eligibility IEP Meeting
A new IEP meeting is where parents, teachers, and any other school staff who are involved in helping the child receive special education services come together to discuss how best to provide the necessary accommodations for the student. During this meeting, parents have the opportunity to share information about their child’s strengths and challenges so that an individualized education plan can be crafted that meets their specific needs. Together, the team will also discuss any other services or supports the child may need, as well as how to measure progress towards those goals.
The IEP meeting is an incredibly important step in the special education process, so it’s important to make sure that everyone involved is prepared for the discussion. Before the meeting, it’s a good idea for parents to review their child’s records and any other information that can help inform the conversation. Additionally, they should be given the opportunity to take notes and speak up if they have any questions or concerns. With everyone working together to create an effective IEP for the student, they will have access to the best possible education.
Discipline Review Meetings
A Discipline Review IEP Meeting is a meeting that takes place when a student with an individualized education plan (IEP) has been suspended or expelled from school or received disciplinary action against them. The purpose of this meeting is to review the incident and any disciplinary action taken, discuss how to prevent the same type of incident from happening in the future, and create a plan for responding to similar incidents should they occur again.
It’s important to note that this is not a punitive process and should be seen as an opportunity for positive growth for both the student and the school team. Through collaboration and communication, this meeting can ensure that all parties involved are on the same page about expectations, consequences, and best practices moving forward. Ultimately, its goal is to create an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and respected.
Dismissal IEP Meetings
A dismissal IEP meeting is a meeting between the parents and school officials to discuss whether or not a student still needs special education services. During the meeting, all parties involved in the student’s educational program will review any recent evaluations and student progress to determine if they should remain in special education or be dismissed from it. These meetings aim to ensure that students receive the best services and accommodations they need to succeed in educational settings.
During a dismissal IEP meeting, parents are encouraged to provide input regarding their child’s progress and any changes they would like to see made. It is important for parents to feel comfortable with the decisions being made at these meetings and know that their input is being taken seriously. The result of a dismissal IEP meeting can be dismissal from special education services, continued use of the same program, or changes to the current program. Regardless of the outcome, it is important that parents have their voices heard during the process.
Initial/Qualifying Meetings
A qualifying IEP meeting is an important meeting between school staff and the parents/guardians of a student with disabilities. This meeting helps to determine if an individualized education program (IEP) might be necessary. During this meeting, the team discusses the student’s current levels of performance, academic goals, services and supports, and other possibly necessary accommodations. This meeting may be held before screening testing is completed, or it may be held after testing has been rendered.
Initial Review (Did Not Qualify) Meetings
If it is determined that the student does not qualify for an IEP, the team will hold an Initial Review – Did Not Qualify – Meeting to discuss possible strategies and accommodations to help the student be successful in their educational environment. It’s important to remember that all children have unique learning needs, so even if a student does not qualify for special education services, they may still benefit from tailored support and interventions, like a 504 Plan. Parents are an integral part of this meeting as well.
Understanding the different types of IEP meetings can help you determine which meeting or meetings should be held and when. It also makes it easier for you to explain to families which meetings are necessary and how they can impact their child’s education.
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