Family & Community Special Communities
Special Education

CSPD Training Project
Module One: The Massachusetts IEP Process

Introduction - Team Process

IDEA - 2004 emphasizes a collaborative approach to IEP process and development. The IEP requirements under IDEA emphasize the importance of working cooperatively as a team. The law expects school districts to bring together parents, students, general educators, special educators and related service providers to make important educational decisions for students with disabilities.

The goal of this unit is to present an overview of the underpinnings of effective IEP Team facilitation, understanding that the membership of an IEP Team has varied levels of experience and knowledge of Special Education. Each member of the Team brings to the table their views of the student and their emotional overlays. It is important for every Team member to feel equal, and to understand their role in the process.

This unit should be presented in the following order:

1. A Focus on Team Meeting PowerPoint Presentation includes interactive activities that engage workshop participants in discussions on Parent Participation, Student Participation and Role of the facilitator.

2. Handouts reviewed throughout the presentation:

      Parent Letter

   
   Student Participation Form

      Elementary

      Secondary

   
      A Parent Survey - Evaluation Tool

   
   Tools for General Educators

      (1)

      (2)

   
   Tools for Special Educators

      (1)

      (2)

   
   Tools for Related Service Providers

      (1)

      (2)

   
      Collaboration Self - Assessment Activity

   
   Professional Development Activity - "10 Things Not to Say at an IEP Meeting"

      (1)

      (2)