The IEP as a collaborative process
“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” - Alexander Den Heijer
There have been many times during my educational and special education consultant career that I have used this saying to explain to parents and educators that, in order for students to be successful with their educational program, there is a need for parent involvement. Involving the parent(s)—and, when age appropriate, the student—in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a “win-win."
Parents, remember that YOU were your child’s first teacher and spend more time with the child than educators. Your participation could provide educators with a different perspective of your child. This may include their likes and dislikes and what you have observed about your child’s career interests (something that will be helpful when planning for your child’s post-secondary transition).
Each year, your child will have teachers who were different from last years’. These teachers will become your child’s second most important people in your child’s education. By being involved, your child will know that the most people in their life are working together for their academic, personal, and professional success.
Your involvement in these meetings enables you to meet the team of educators whom, along with you, will be working together to provide your child with the appropriate training and supports to enable your child to advance academically. More importantly, you have also established clear communication channels in regards to your child's educational performance. Should there be any questions or concerns related to your child's academic, developmental, or functional needs, your child's support team knows how to contact you (and visa versa).
Parents, it is important that you view the IEP as YOUR opportunity to provide input to make your child’s educational experience positive and productive.
Diane Levin, Ph.D., Professor of Education at Wheelock College advises, “ A positive parent-teacher relation helps your child feel good about and be successful in school each year."
Parents and educators: it is vital that we not lose sight of the IEP as a collaborative process.