First grade was great and my son made a lot of progress. Having fought and resolve some of the important battles in the past years (para-professional support and extended school year), this IEP season was pretty straight forward.
We anticipated a smooth IEP meeting and had no outstanding concerns. Because of this, there is no pre-IEP letter. However, I encourage your to let your IEP team know before the meeting about your concerns and expectations for the meeting. It is a very useful and important practice. After meeting we wait for the first IEP draft, usually within two weeks. If we have any comments, we send them in writing and wait for a new draft. If not we accept and sign the IEP.
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I'm putting a lot of thought/effort/time into my communication with the team, especially during the IEP season. In fact, I think that spending time getting the plan right it's saving me a lot of time during the school year. There are a couple of books that I found particularly useful during this process.
- Wrightslaw: All About IEPs - pretty much the IEP bible; an incredible useful book, especially if you are just starting this journey. Good to have it as a reference too, because the issues and questions change every year.
- Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy - The Special Education Survival Guide - one thing we need to understand as parents is that the special education process is driven by data and not by emotion. It is not about the perfect plan, it is not about the best outcome, it is not about reaching the maximum potential. It is about about fair and appropriate services. I think this book does a good job in helping parents understand the difference.
- Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In - amazing book, that I've read several times. Related to how to negotiate without emotion. Putting yourself in the other person shoes and finding the best outcome for everybody. Works in every aspect of our lives. Gives you power and keeps the process non confrontational.
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