I have seen it too many times in IEP meetings recently. Something is proposed or requested and everybody turns to look at the LEA Representative (School District Representative) to see whether they approve or deny what was just asked for. If this happens at your IEP meetings it might be important to remind them that the whole team makes decisions. All too often the meetings turn into an LEA led and dictated exercise where the IEP is rushed through according to the LEA’s needs rather than the needs of the child.
The IEP team includes everyone in the room and the parent as the expert on the child is an equal member of that team. Most parents don’t realize this when they are in the meeting. But as a parent your input is as valid and important as anybody else’s at the table.
Most of the people around the table want to help your student. But they might be held hostage by the instructions of the LEA. That’s why you need to put them on the spot by asking direct questions about your child’s needs and how to meet them. For instance if your child’s services are being cut make sure to ask everyone around the table that they agree with it. Some of them may not but wouldn’t express it unless asked directly.
The whole team is important and each member has input that may help you get the most out of your child’s education.
But this post is really about how parents are an equal member of the team. You’re allowed to put those teachers on the spot because of your status as an equal member of the team. As an equal member of the team you are allowed to make suggestions, there is even a specific part of the IEP dedicated to parent comments. Now to fully use that part of the IEP to your advantage you will want to write a parent concerns statement. That will be explored in a different post.
Remember you are an important part of the IEP team. Don’t be afraid to speak up whether that’s in the meeting, by email later on or in conversations with school staff.