Your Role in an IEP Meeting

All children who receive special education services must have an
Individualized Education Program (IEP). Parents play an important role in
developing the IEP. Dr. Kenneth Shore, author of The Parents' Public School
Handbook, suggests how you can prepare for this meeting so you can make
sure the IEP meets your child's needs.

Get to know your child. All children have strengths—and weaknesses. Before
the IEP meeting, look over samples of your child's schoolwork. Talk with
him to find out his feelings about what he does well or poorly. Listen
carefully as he talks about school. You may hear clues about how your child
learns best.

Do your homework. Talk with other parents whose children receive special
education. See if your school district has a special education parents'
organization. The school should give you a copy of your state's special
education code. If they do not, request one.

Think about having your child attend part—or all—of the meeting. The older
the child, the more likely he will be to take a meaningful role.
Take notes. You may want to ask another person to come with you to keep a
record of what is said. That way, you can concentrate on what you want to
say in the meeting.

Offer your views. You know your child better than anyone in the room. You
should be able to help the teacher by suggesting things that will—or will
not—work with your child. For example, you may have learned that he works
well for about 15 minutes, but then needs a break. Or, that he needs an
example or two before he starts working.

Ask for clarification. Special education is almost another language. You
may hear initials like EMR, LD, ADD or WISC-R. Ask for an explanation of
these terms to make sure everyone is speaking the same language.



Griffin Middle School
Office Hours  7:00 - 4:00  Student Hours  8:20 - 2:40
Administrative Staff:
Michelle Gayle, Principal
Princess Palmer, Assistant Principal
Everett Fleming, Jr., Assistant Principal
800 Alabama Street
Telephone: (850) 488-8436  FAX: (850) 922-4226
Web Page: http://www.griffin.leon.k12.fl.us

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