What about the special education meeting I am invited to?
Fast Facts!
What to bring and what to do:
*Advice by Leah, special ed guru for the past 15 years*
I am the team leader for a special education team and here is some quick advice on what to bring to IEP meeting when you are asked to attend:
1. First, yes, you must attend because it is a legal requirement for a general education teacher to attend.
2. Bring the students grade's and a few work samples if possible.
3. Always start with a positive report regarding school (stay away from "has a great smile") remember.. even your most difficult student has great qualities... resilient? All student can learn and make progress, even if it is not to state standards (IEP= Individual Education Plan)
4. State concerns as concerns, not a complaint about the student, and please be considerate of your body language and tone of voice. Good communication with parents goes a long way in building positive relationships.
5. Always remember... you are talking to parents about their child. Put yourself in their shoes! Be compassionate! Imagine if this were your child.
6. Please remember and IEP is a legal document....if you have any questions or do not know what to do... ask! Your speciality is general education and WE are a team. These are all our children!
7. IEP's are in place for a reason, not all students learn the same or have the similar capabilities. Students attend their meetings. Keeping in mind an adolescents self-esteem and development, being honest about their abilities and stating this appropriately can be challenging.
Reference
Travers-Pucci, L. (2012) personal experience.
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