2 minute read
Cook's Corner - Maximizing Student Outcomes Through Participation in IEP and 504 Meetings & Save the Date
by Maineea
By Mallory Cook and Anna Anthony
Because we attend so many IEP and 504 meetings a year, it is easy to forget just how important these gatherings are to students’ academic success. Remember, most teams only meet once per year to discuss a student’s plan-a plan that will follow a student for his/her academic career. Your preparation, participation, and follow-through are incredibly important to the child.
BEFORE THE MEETING
Review the student’s IEP or 504
Reflect on the impact of the accommodations
Are they working?
Is the student using them?
What’s missing?
List the student’s strengths
If you’ve identified challenges, be sure to come prepared with interventions you’ve implemented and their impact on the student
Prepare relevant student work samples or data to support your claims
Record the student’s current grade or progress toward relevant standards
If you’ve determined the need to modify existing accommodations or to add new accommodations, have a list prepared
DURING THE MEETING
Report out on the student’s strengths first
Share the impact of the present accommodations as related to classwork, achievement on assessments, behavior, etc.
Share challenges and interventions that have been implemented
Share any relevant data
Propose new accommodations or modifications to existing accommodations
Ask questions of the parents, the special education professionals, the student, and other teachers in the room
Avoid negativity - realize that though a student may appear disengaged, this could be a manifestation of the disability. Before going there, think, “What measures have I taken to ensure the student’s needs have been met?”
End on a positive note
AFTER THE MEETING
Implement any new accommodations that were brought up in the meeting
Expect to find an updated document listing any changes
File the new document and discard the old one
Continue to monitor the student’s progress
Contact the case manager or parents/guardians with any concerns or strengths that emerge after the team’s convening
Save the Date
December 2, King Middle School, Portland
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