Keystone AEA
FEP Educator Newsletter: November 2017
Engaging Families in the IEP Process
"When parents and teachers are united, they've created one of the most powerful partnerships a child could ever ask for." - Doug Haddad, Ph.D
Prior to the IEP Meeting
The communication and relationship with the family prior to the IEP meeting is a crucial part of the IEP process. If families view themselves as an equal partner entering the meeting, they are much more likely to be engaged in the process.
Before the IEP meeting, call the family to:
- Explain the purpose of the meeting. Remember, if it is a transition planning meeting it is very important to prepare the family that living, learning and working will be discussed.
- Set an agreed upon date and time to meet.
- Explain who will attend the meeting, and ask if there other people they would like to invite.
- Ask if they have additional questions, concerns or new information they would like to discuss at the meeting.
It is helpful to send home the following prior to the IEP Meeting:
- Meeting Notice
- Draft of the IEP
- Current goal progress monitoring
- If it is a reevaluation, additional reports
Additional Tools to Consider Sending Families Prior to An IEP Meeting:
At the IEP Meeting
Attending the IEP Meeting can be an overwhelming experience for families. To help engage families in the IEP Meetings:
- Consider the room set-up. Is it there enough space for all members of the team to sit comfortably? Are team members spread out equally (i.e. avoid teachers on one side, families and their invitees on the other)?
- The special education teacher or another team member should meet the family, and walk into the meeting with them.
- Identify who will be facilitating the meeting and who will be taking notes on the IEP.
- Go over the meeting agenda; ask the family additions to the agenda are needed.
- Identify anticipated duration of meeting.
- If possible, it is helpful to project the IEP.
- Ensure the family leaves with a copy of the draft IEP and Prior Written Notice.
Communication
- Be aware of nonverbal communication.
- Avoid using educational jargon (ex. BIP, PLAAF, assessment abbreviations). Families may not be as open to sharing their input or questions if they are trying to understand the jargon used in the IEP meeting.
- Start with the student's strengths. Dr. Henderson refers to this as "Three Glows Before A Grow."
- Make the process a conversation between team members: Where is the student now? Where do they want to go? How can we help them get there?
- Focus on collaborative goal setting.
Meaningful Participation in IEP Meetings
The video below was created by Amy Pope, Special Education Consultant at Keystone AEA, to assist special education teachers.
After the IEP Meeting
- Ensure the family knows who their contact person is. Families are often unsure who to contact if they have a question or concern.
- Send the final copy of the IEP within 10 day of the meeting.
- Follow-up on any formal or informal commitments made at the meeting.
- Send progress monitoring data home as outlined in the IEP.
- Communicate the positive things you are seeing with families. A brief email or phone call about something positive the student has done will go a long way in enhancing the relationship between the family and school.
HOW GENERAL EDUCATORS CAN GET MORE OUT OF IEP MEETINGS
Landmark, L. (2017, May 23). How General Educators Can Get More Out of IEP Meetings. Retrieved October 25, 2017, from https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/iep-meetings/
Upcoming Professional Development
Engage Every Family
Date: March 19, 2018
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Keystone AEA in Elkader
Lunch: Provided by Bill's Steakhouse
Fee: $10.00
Workshop Registration Number: 52391
Registration Deadline: 3/9/2018
Family engagement increases student achievement but how do schools connect with families who don't participate yet? How can you involve the entire school community in a positive way? The workshop will use the principles from Dr. Steve Constantino's work to help schools and community partners develop family engagement strategies improve student outcomes in your school community.
FEP Think About
- What do you believe about family engagement?
- Do you believe that every family in your (classroom, team, school, etc.) is engaged with their child's learning?
- If the answer to Question 2 is no, why do you think there are families who are not engaged?
- If every family in your (classroom, team, school, etc.) is not engaged, would you welcome their engagement?
- What would engaging every family look like to you?
Taken from Dr. Steve Constantino's Engage Every Family Five Simple Principals
Keystone AEA Family & Educator Partnership
Email: bgassman@aea1.k12.ia.us
Website: http://www.aea1.k12.ia.us
Location: 2310 Chaney Road, Dubuque
Phone: 800-632-5918
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aea1fep/?ref=group_cover
Twitter: @keystoneaea