📋 The Complete IEP Parent Resource Book

• Review your child's current IEP and progress reports
• Gather independent evaluations or assessments
• Document specific examples of your concerns with dates and details
• Research evidence-based practices for your child's needs

• Consider bringing an advocate or knowledgeable friend
• Request that key service providers attend the meeting
• Identify allies on the IEP team who understand your child's needs
• Prepare questions for each team member

• Clearly define what you want and why
• Prepare data to support your requests
• Anticipate potential objections and prepare responses
• Know your rights under IDEA and Section 504

• "I understand your perspective. Let me share mine..."
• "Can you help me understand the data behind this decision?"
• "What would need to change for this to be possible?"
• Keep discussions centered on your child's needs, not personalities

• "The progress data shows..."
• "Based on the evaluation results..."
• "My child's response to intervention indicates..."
• "The research on this approach demonstrates..."

• "What if we tried this approach for 6 weeks and then reassess?"
• "Could we implement this on a trial basis?"
• "What data would convince you this is necessary?"
• "How can we work together to address this concern?"

• "I need a few minutes to process this information."
• "Can we take a 10-minute break?"
• "I'd like to schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss this further."
• "I need time to review these documents before deciding."

• Take detailed notes during the meeting
• Request copies of all documents discussed
• Ask for disagreements to be noted in the meeting minutes
• Follow up with written summary of your concerns

• "I'd like to schedule another meeting to continue this discussion."
• "Can we reconvene when [specific person] can attend?"
• "I need time to consult with an advocate before proceeding."
• Remember: You are not required to sign an IEP you disagree with

1. Request IEP Team Meeting: Schedule additional meeting with specific agenda
2. Contact Special Education Director: Escalate to district level
3. File State Complaint: Free process for procedural violations
4. Request Mediation: Neutral third party facilitates resolution
5. Due Process Hearing: Legal proceeding with hearing officer

• Don't make personal attacks or accusations
• Don't threaten legal action as your first response
• Don't sign documents under pressure
• Don't agree to services that don't meet your child's needs
• Don't let emotions derail the conversation
• Don't accept "we don't do that here" as a final answer

• "The Complete IEP Guide" by Lawrence Siegel
• "From Emotions to Advocacy" by Pam Wright & Pete Wright
• "Wrightslaw: Special Education Law" by Peter Wright
• "Negotiating the Special Education Maze" by Winifred Anderson

• Wrightslaw.com - Special education law and advocacy
• COPAA.org - Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
• ParentCenterHub.org - Parent Training Information Centers
• Understood.org - Learning and attention issues support
• CADRE.org - Dispute resolution resources

• IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) - Free Appropriate Public Education
• Section 504 - Anti-discrimination protections
• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) - Accessibility requirements
• FERPA - Educational records privacy rights

• Your State Department of Education Special Education Division
• State Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)
• State Disability Rights Organization
• State Bar Association Special Education Lawyers

• Standard Scores: Average is 100, standard deviation is 15
• Percentiles: Percentage of peers scoring below your child
• Grade Equivalents: Grade level at which score is average
• Significant Discrepancy: Usually 15+ point difference between scores

• Cognitive: WISC-V, KABC-II (intelligence testing)
• Academic: WJ-IV, KTEA-3 (achievement testing)
• Behavioral: BASC-3, Conners-4 (behavior rating scales)
• Adaptive: ABAS-3, Vineland-3 (daily living skills)

• Low-Tech: Pencil grips, highlighted paper, timers
• Mid-Tech: Recording devices, calculators, simple apps
• High-Tech: Computers, tablets, specialized software
• Communication: AAC devices, speech-generating apps

• What tasks is the student having difficulty completing?
• What strategies have been tried?
• What are the student's strengths and preferences?
• What technology is already available?

Every IEP Goal Must Be SMART:

Required Elements in Every IEP Goal:

Watch Out For These Problem Goals:

Monthly Review Questions:

Contact the IEP team if: