Parents, guardians, and students are key players in shaping Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Here’s how to prepare and make the most of the process:
Before Evaluations:
- Explain to your child that school staff may work with them one-on-one.
- Reassure them it’s not graded or on their report card.
- Let them know they won’t have all the answers—some tasks are for older students.
- Encourage them to try their best!
A Few Weeks Before the Meeting:
- Share helpful information about your child with the team in advance.
- Schedule time to attend and reflect after the meeting.
- Request assessment reports and discuss results with the school team (if applicable).
- Review the current IEP (if applicable).
- Arrange child care and minimize distractions.
Bring to the Meeting:
- Paper, pens, and another supportive adult (if possible).
- A list of your child’s strengths, interests, and educational concerns.
- Relevant reports, progress updates, and recent report cards.
During the Meeting:
This is your chance to collaborate, ask questions, and share insights! Key discussion points include:
- Student strengths, challenges, and performance levels.
- Special factors impacting learning and postsecondary transition plans (if applicable).
- Goals, services, accommodations, and placement options.
- Contact information for providers.
Consent Options:
You can agree, partially agree, or disagree with the IEP.
- You may take the paperwork home to review before deciding.
- Communicate your decision within five days, even if you need more clarification.
After the Meeting:
- Stay connected with the IEP team. Ask questions and request updates.
- You can request another meeting if needed.
- Look for progress reports with your child’s report card.
Common Acronyms Used in Special Education
- ADR: Alternative Dispute Resolution
- AP: Assessment Plan
- APE: Adapted Physical Education
- BCBA: Board Certified Behavior Analyst
- BIP: Behavior Intervention Plan
- CAA: California Alternative Assessment
- DHH: Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- DIS: Designated Instruction and Services
- DOR: District of Residence
- ED: Emotional Disability
- ELPAC: English Language Proficiency Assessments of California
- ERMHS: Educationally Related Mental Health Services
- ESY: Extended School Year
- FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education
- FBA: Functional Behavior Assessment
- GRP: Group
- ID: Intellectual Disability
- IEP: Individualized Education Program/Plan
- IFSP: Individual Family Service Plan
- IND: Individual
- LEA: Local Education Agency
- LI: Low Incidence
- LRE: Least Restrictive Environment
- OHI: Other Health Impairment
- OI: Orthopedic Impairment
- OT: Occupational Therapist
- PPS: Pupil Personnel Services (credential)
- PT: Physical Therapist
- PWN: Prior Written Notice
- SAI: Specialized Academic Instruction
- SBAC: Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
- SELPA: Special Education Local Plan Area
- SLD: Specific Learning Disability
- SLI: Speech Language Impairment
- SLP: Speech Language Pathologist
- SST: Student Study Team
- VI: Vision Impairment
Last Updated on August 4, 2026 by Carol White