Under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), Congress set forth certain protections for children with special needs. At its core, IDEA is designed to make sure that disabled children have access to a “free and appropriate public education” in the “least restrictive environment.” The United States Supreme Court has been relentless in their insistence that IDEA may not be used to force a school district to “maximize” a child’s potential.

Knowing your child’s rights is important, and can mean the difference between a good education and a little to no-quality education.

Eight Steps to Better IEP Meetings

Here are eight steps for parents to learn. These steps will help the parent negotiate and minimize conflict when dealing with good-faith district negotiators. They will also help you prepare a solid case when negotiating with district personnel who are acting in bad faith.

• Make every attempt to obtain and sustain relationships with other members of the IEP Team.
• Keep the focus of the meeting on the child’s needs, not the district’s resources or the parents’ expectations.
• Always have a back-up plan to get out of a dilemma.
• Build your record. Build your case.
• Walk a mile in the other side’s shoes.
• Listen actively, especially to the things you do not want to hear.
• Encourage everyone to love your child, then let them!
• Have a little faith.

To read the full article by Jenifer Bolero click here.

This video is a great introduction to IEP Meetings: