Are you the parent of a child with autism, a learning disability or a physical disability? Are you preparing for your child’s Individualized Education Plan annual meeting? Would you like a short list of important topics that need to be discussed at your child’s IEP meeting? This article will discuss 15 issues that need to be raised at your child’s IEP meeting to ensure all important issues are brought up.
Issue 1: Current levels of academic achievement and functional performance need to be discussed and entered into your child’s IEP. Academic and functional levels should be the test results given to your child and not the teacher’s observation.
Problem 2: Your child’s educational strengths and weaknesses. All pain points should be discussed and needed educational services should be discussed and written into your child’s IEP.
Issue 3: District and state level testing in which your child will be included. Standardized testing is key to keeping special education personnel accountable for teaching your child; keep copies for future use.
Issue 4: Extended School Year (ESY) needs to be discussed and written into your child’s IEP. Specific services your child will receive, as well as the number of minutes per week and the number of weeks allowed.
Issue 5: Assistive technology services your child needs to benefit from their education.
Issue 6: If your child has negative behavior that is interfering with their upbringing, have a qualified person conduct a functional behavior analysis and develop a positive behavior plan.
Issue 7: The placement needs to be decided and entered into your child’s IEP.
Issue 8: Related services need to be discussed and entered into your child’s IEP. Related services are: PT, OT, Speech/Language, Transportation, etc.
Issue 9: Ensure all special education services offered are listed in the IEP; check the minutes and make sure it is indicated whether the service is direct or consultative and individual or group.
Issue 10: If your child is 16 or older, you need to develop a transition plan that includes the transition services your child needs to get a job or continue education.
Problem 11: The graduation date must be on the child’s IEP. Make sure the date shown goes up to your child’s 22nd birthday, as requested by IDEA.
Issue 12: You need to include important methodologies and the amount of minutes the methodologies will be allotted per week.
Issue 13: Any assessments conducted on your child. Test scores below average are often referred to as average. Check all test scores; if peers are below the appropriate age and grade, ensure that services are provided to remedy the difficulty.
Issue 14: Make sure the eligibility page for your child says they are eligible for special education services.
Problem 15: Pre and post test of your child’s academics next school year. Pre test given at the beginning of the year, post test given at the end of the year. This will help you demonstrate whether or not your child has progressed during the school year.
Also remember to always read your child’s IEP before leaving the meeting. Ask for changes if you find something you don’t agree with. By discussing these 15 issues you will help your child receive an appropriate and free public education (FAPE).