Annual IEP Review Meetings

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by Eileen Bailey
Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Every Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) must be reviewed at least once a year.  If there is a problem with the IEP, or a change in circumstances, parents or the school district can request a meeting to review the IEP more often.  This annual review is to;

• Review the progress the student is making toward the goals listed in the IEP
• Determine the current needs of the child and make sure they are being met through services and accommodations listed on the IEP
• Revise the IEP for the upcoming school year
• Review or add any transitional services

As with all IEP meetings, parents must be provided with advance notice of the date and time of the meeting. At least one parent or guardian should attend the child's IEP meetings. The notice should include:

• The date and time of the meeting
• The location of the meeting
• Who will be attending the meeting
• The purpose of the meeting

In addition, the school should make any necessary preparations for you to attend. This includes having an interpreter, if needed.

What Happens During the Annual Review Meeting?

During the opening of the meeting, school representatives, teachers and any other school personnel attending the meeting should introduce themselves to the parents and explain their role. Parents should also be told their rights.

Once the introductions are made, the meeting should move to reviewing the goals that are currently listed in the IEP and the progress the student has made toward reaching those goals. Team members should also review where the child is in the general classroom curriculum.

Any new information about the child should be introduced during the meeting. This includes any new diagnosis or other information the parents feel teachers should know. Any recent evaluations or assessments should be reviewed.

Once this information is shared, the team discusses the upcoming school year and anticipates what needs the student will have and how the school can address these needs.

New goals should be set and procedures to monitor progress should be put into place.

If Parents Disagree

Parents are encouraged to actively participate in IEP meetings, to share information and offer ideas and suggestions to help the student. Even so, the parents may not agree with the final outcome of the meeting.  When this occurs parents have a few options:

• Request the school complete an evaluation, assessment or further testing if there is a specific area of concern, such as academics (or even a single academic subject) or behavior
• Request an independent evaluation. The school should provide a list of independent evaluators in the area.
• Request a follow up meeting to further discuss the IEP. Parents can gather additional information or consult with outside professionals prior to the follow up meeting.
• Request the school supply additional information or documentation to substantiate their reasoning for the points of disagreement. This may include test scores, work samples, or teacher observations.

Disagreements should try to be resolved amicably. Sometimes, both the parents or teachers are frustrated and meetings can run on high emotions. Keeping your cool, remaining calm and professional. Conflicts can cause damage to your child's relationship with his or her teacher and although you want to make sure your opinions are heard and considered, you also must take your child's best interest into consideration.