1. 20 Strategies for successful IEP meetings
Melissa Mann

2. Special Education Teacher for Madison County Schools
About Me
Melissa Mann
Special Education Teacher for Madison County Schools

3. Introduction
These strategies could be applied to a meeting at any grade level. Some are basic and some I have picked up over a few meetings. Strategies are suggestions, you know your system, your school, and your parents. Try what works best for you.
~Melissa

4. Strategies Have an agenda 2. Make Introductions
3. Explain where goals/benchmarks come from
Use language parents can understand
Refer to parent friendly sites for Common Core if needed
4. Time Limit
May need to set a time limit so that general education teachers are not out of class for an extended period of time without coverage
5. Not a parent conference
Keep up with any issues that can be addressed later at a conference with teachers and parents.

5. Strategies 6. Take Minutes Stay Focused
Stay focused on the purpose of the meeting (amendment, annual IEP etc.)
Strengths
Make sure to talk about what the student is strong in and doing right. Every child has a strength in something.
Draft Copies
As much as possible provide draft copies ahead of time to the meeting for the LEA and Parents
10. General Ed Teacher(s) Input
Get their input before the meeting
Some states have an input survey they can fill out or teacher can create one

6. Strategies 11. Related Service Providers Input
Make sure to check with them plenty of time before the meeting
12. Be prepared
Have a plan B in case technology/network down
13. Schedule of Meeting
Check with the parents in advance and get possible days
14. Stay Educated
Google every now and then tips for IEP meetings.
15. Parent Input
Make sure you get their input before the meeting and at the meeting

7. Strategies 16. Stay Calm 17. It’s a Draft
Things can be changed at the meeting as discussion takes place
18. Listen
19. Listen
20. Listen

8. Websites to check out