As another school year looms, parents of children with special needs may become anxious about their student’s transition into another school year. Maybe last year didn’t go so well and you’d like this year to be better. Or maybe last year was stellar and you want to keep that momentum.
The first couple of weeks of the school year can be messy and confusing as the school staff straighten out scheduling and staff issues. How can you prepare yourself during this hectic time to review your child’s IEP for the year’s commencement and for the first two marking periods?
Use this list of IEP points to create mastery of your IEP review:
Understanding Your Child’s Current Performance
Your child’s IEP contains something called a PLAAFP. That stands for Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance. This is your child’s baseline, and your review starts here. Review it prior to the beginning of school to see if the PLAAFP accurately reflects your child’s abilities and challenges. Look for specific, measurable data rather than vague statements. Once school has been in session for about three weeks, schedule time to speak with your child’s teacher(s) to review the PLAAFP for accuracy.
Evaluating Goals and Objectives
The next item of business is to check each of your child’s annual goals. Read them and ask yourself: Are they SMART goals? That means specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. Ensure there are goals to address your child’s most important needs, including academic, social-emotional, and functional life skills where appropriate.
Assessing Related Services
If your child receives any therapies, review those services to ensure that the frequency and duration are appropriate. These therapies may include, but not be limited to, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and other services. Consider whether services should be provided individually or in groups.
Examining Accommodations and Modifications
Make sure that the classroom accommodations and curriculum modifications that are listed in your child’s IEP (like extended time or preferential seating) are clearly specified and appropriate for your child’s current needs.
Reviewing Placement and Least Restrictive Environment
Review your child’s IEP to ensure that your child has the maximum amount of inclusion possible for their needs. On balance, ensure that the IEP sets forth specific supports that enable your child to be in the most inclusive setting possible. Consider whether the current placement maximizes opportunities for interaction with typical peers.
Review Transition Planning
If your child is 16 years of age or older, review the IEP’s post-secondary goals and transition services. Transition services can include: a) planning for education, b) training, c) employment, and d) independent living. Key components of transition planning involve assessing student strengths, preferences, and needs, setting measurable post-secondary goals, and developing the IEP to help your student meet those goals. For younger students, look at how your child’s IEP addresses transitions between activities, classes, or grade levels.
Learn to Analyze Your School’s Progress Monitoring
Review how your child’s progress toward goals will be measured and how often you’ll receive updates. If you don’t understand how it works, email the teacher or case manager, or ask for a meeting to review. Ensure the methods that the teachers and therapists use for tracking progress are appropriate and meaningful for your child’s unique needs.
Identifying Gaps or Missing Elements
Look for areas where your child struggles that aren’t addressed in the current IEP. Would a new assessment or services help identify your child’s needs based upon their specific issues? Ask for help if needed.
Preparing Questions and Concerns
Document specific examples of your child’s successes and challenges at home to share with your child’s teachers, therapists, and case manager. Prepare questions about anything in the IEP that seems unclear or inadequate.
Need assistance with your child’s 504 Plan or IEP? Have questions?
Please contact the SGW Law Firm for help at 609-409-3500. One of our experienced attorneys would be happy to speak with you.