By Doug Goldberg
This article will help you truly prepare for your next IEP meeting.
90 days prior to your next annual IEP meeting
Reread last year’s IEP paying close attention to needs, present levels of performance, accommodations/modifications, goals and services. If you think your child has a new suspected area of disability or you need an update on skill levels from a prior disability this is the time to request a new special education assessment. The school district will usually only update formal assessments once every three years for the triennial IEP unless requested by the parent to be done annually. Make sure the request for assessment is made in a letter that you hand to the school personally. Remember that all written and verbal communication should be professional in tone and content. Ask a friend to read the letter to make sure it is not emotional or hostile.
Go on your State’s Department of Education website and download the State’s grade-level standards for each subject. Familiarize yourself with the grade level standards your child will be expected to know in the current grade. Create a list of standards for each subject that your child needs help in. If you are one of the State’s that have adopted the Common Core Standard you can download the Common Core Standards app for free on your cell phone and always have the standards at your finger tips.
Read more. Special Education Advisor Blog.
