Asking the right question in an IEP MEEting: a Checklist

If your child struggles to learn or has been identified as having special needs in a classroom setting chances are they have an IEP (Individualized Educational Plan).  This document details what steps schools need to take and what accommodations need to be made in order to best educate and prepare your child for their future.  Unfortunately, IEP’s can be quite lengthy and difficult to decipher for parents new to the process.  You will typically meet with school personnel (your child’s IEP team) once a year to check progress and update goals. 

To make the most of these IEP meetings and ensure positive outcomes for your child you need to know what questions you should be asking.  Here are some key questions:

• What service minutes does my child have and how are they met?
• What curriculum is used?
• What data is taken for goals?
• Is the parental concerns section clear?
• Are present performance levels accurately reflected?
• Who is implementing the different accommodations and how are they doing it?
• Is there any further data needed?
• What training might be helpful for teachers and parents?
• What additional opportunities for inclusion with all children are available?
• Are there any forms of technology that would help my child better achieve their goals?
• Do the goals listed make sense to the overarching goal of helping my child function well in the real world?

You may not need to ask all of these questions at every IEP meeting, but thinking through them prior to each meeting will help you prioritize the things you want to see discussed. You are your child’s number one advocate because no one knows your child like you do.

Did you know you have the right to ask for an IEP meeting at any time? If your child’s needs are changing or you don’t feel their IEP goals are being met, don’t be afraid to speak up and request a meeting?

Reach out to us if you need help before, during, or after an IEP meeting!

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