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 – and that includes parents.
But how do you go over the draft IEP in a way that makes sense for families and keeps the meeting moving along? Here are some teacher-tested tips and tricks for reviewing the document with parents.
Reviewing the Draft IEP with Families
While each family and each situation is different, the ideas below can help make the review process less stressful for parents and teachers alike.
Tip #1 – Send the Proposed Draft Home Beforehand
It’s always a good idea to send home a draft of the IEP before the meeting, and best practice tells us it should be a minimum of 3 school days prior to the IEP meeting.
This gives parents a chance to look it over, jot down questions and suggestions, and helps them to feel part of the team. Make sure that you clearly label the copy as a draft and let them know that this is just a preliminary document. The final draft will be created together with the team during the meeting.
Sending the draft home ahead of time helps meetings run more smoothly because parents are more familiar with what is included – re: they have all of the same data the IEP team has leading in to the IEP meeting. It also gives parents a chance to read over the data so that it does not need to be discussed in depth at the meeting unless they indicate they would like to get more information about it.
Tip #2 – Know the Parents’ IEP Literacy Level Before the Meeting
Some families are very familiar with IEPs and the IEP process. Others are new to it and need more in-depth explanations of what is happening. By having a conversation with families prior to the meeting, you can get a feel for their IEP literacy level and adjust accordingly.
Remember: don’t use special education acronyms or jargon when writing or explaining IEPs, as best as you possibly can.
Tip #3 – To Skim or Not to Skim
Skimming through sections of the IEP may save time, but it can also lead to a lot of confusion and frustration on the part of the family. Always ask parents if they would like a more detailed explanation of testing results, present levels, goals, accommodations, modifications, etc. or if they prefer to skim through them.
Even if the parents are experienced with IEPs and the IEP process, they may still want you to review all of the parts of the document in more depth than you expect, so always ask instead of assuming.
Tip #4 – Speak With Them, Not At Them
The best tip for going over a draft IEP with parents is to speak with them about the document and the process, not at them. This subtle distinction in wording and tone can make a world of difference in the rapport established with them and their trust in the school.
Remember that the IEP is not simply a document about present levels and goals. It is a document about a child who is loved and cherished and of whom the parents feel very protective. Go over the draft IEP with them in the same manner that you would want someone to cover a document about your child.
Tip #5 – Encourage Parent Feedback
When writing the IEP, you want to be honest about student struggles – but also where a student excels. And when it comes to this data, encourage the parents to provide feedback and additional areas of concern or strengths. Ask parents guiding questions and allow processing time for parents to ask clarifying questions.
Parents are a vital team IEP team member, and aside from the student – they know their child best. They can provide pivotal data and information about the student that could be a game changer for the child’s IEP supports and services.
Taking the time to go over the draft IEP with parents and address their concerns is so important. You have the ability to change the way their child’s future and the IEP document is one of the first steps to doing that.
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