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This Just In: IEP Edition
In my recent post Learning to Make Sense of an IEP, I asked for everyone to share their favorite resources on the topic of advocacy and special education. Between this site, my own blog and some emails, I got a bunch of responses and wanted to compile them here for the benefit of all of us.
Websites:
- Wrightslaw – comprehensive site with information on IEPs, 504 Plans, IDEA and No Child Left Behind.
- From Emotions to Advocacy – a companion site to the book mentioned below.
- TeacherVision Special Education Category – although designed for teachers and has a membership area, there are a number of free resources that would be helpful to parents as well.
- National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities – site funded by the Office of Special Education Programs, US Dept of Education
Books:
- Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy by Pam & Pete Wright
- Wrightslaw: Special Education Law by Pam & Pete Wright
- The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child by Lawrence M. Siegal
- How Well Does Your IEP Measure Up? by Diane Twachtman-Cullen and Jennifer Twachtman-Reilly
- Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Strategies for School Success by Brenda Smith Myles and Diane Adreon
Tips:
- Do everything you can to work together as a team with the school personnel
- Request a rough draft of the IEP (or whatever is being discussed) prior to attending the meeting
- Bring someone with you to help you remember your questions and take notes for you
- Ask local disability groups for recommendations to find an advocate in your area
An important point was raised in the comments that advocacy is something all parents do for their children all the time and that it is a positive, proactive thing to do. It does not necessarily equal fighting or antagonistic behavior, although sometimes it comes to that in certain situations.
Knowledge truly is power, and the more you know, the better you are able to be an effective member of the team and represent your child's needs and interests. Keep up the good work, everybody!
Trish can be found writing here at 5MFSN every Friday in addition to hosting Try This Tuesday. You can also find Trish at her blog, Another Piece of the Puzzle.
Filed under Editor's Pick, Individual Educational Plans, Resources, Trish by
Comments on This Just In: IEP Edition »
Maddy @ 9:42 pm
May I add something please? It is worth considering taping the entire IEP meeting but you will need to ask/ inform all the parties in advance.
This need not be an adversarial step, it's more that many meeting can be in excess of three hours [in my personal experience] which is an awful lot to remember and keep straight. Of course if you can do shorthand you're in luck but often it's hard to take accurate notes and participate fully.
Best wishes
Stacey @ 10:25 pm
I was also going to add– that by bringing some type of treat– chocolate — the meeting gets started on a happy note!
I have also heard of parents bringing in a current picture and just having it out on the table– it seems to help everyone stay focused!
Trish @ 10:48 pm
Yes, all are wonderful ideas – thanks!
Karen Putz / DeafMom @ 9:08 am
Another important tip is to always follow up with the school to make sure that the IEP is being implemented. Go and observe your child if possible. Volunteer at the school and get to know the other parents– other parents can also be a great resource to knowing what goes on in the school.
Deborah @ 9:14 am
My school district often views taping the meeting as an adversarial step. What I do instead is bring a notetaker with me to the meeting. Then, after the meeting, I send a letter with a summary of everything that was discussed, agreed upon, not agreed upon, etc. The school district is free to respond to that letter, although I have never gotten a response.
An added bonus – the letter, like a taped recording, becomes a part of the permanent education record. As one of the few parents in my state that has won a due process, those letters were a huge part of the reason for winning.
Meg Beverly @ 12:40 pm
Thank you so much for all these links and information! We're transitioning from IFSP to IEP and there is so much more involved.
At our school, some of the other parents and I started a support group and we all help each other get ready for IEPs, a great way to get tips, compare notes, and learn details specific to our school/teachers!
Cyndi @ 9:09 pm
My child has an para-professional who does most of the hands on work with my daughter. I always request that she be at the meeting too.