As a teacher, or any other staff member responsible for IEP’s, your goal should be to remain professional, compliant, and effective in supporting students with disabilities in every aspect of your job. Here are some key DON’Ts to not engage in to ensure you remain professional, compliant, and effective!
THE IEP DON'Ts
YOUR GOAL?
DON'T SPEAK JARGON
We are pros at acronyms… IEP, BIP, LRE, FBA! Our parents are not! So, speak to them! With plain language, and explanations of the jargon that you do have to use. Never assume parents understand the Least Restrictive Environment, etc.
DON'T LEAVE PARENTS OUT OF THE PROCESS
Parents are essential team members. Treat them as such! Hear them and listen. Don’t make decisions without involving them or fail to communicate about their child’s progress.
DON'T BE A KNOW IT ALL
Yes, you are with your students for up to six hours a day, if not longer. But… guess what? You don’t know it all; none of us do. The student’s parents, siblings, extended familiy, care providers, etc. will know more about their child than you do, and related service providers are going to know more in other areas than you as well. That’s why team work is so crucial to IEP success!
DON'T EXCLUDE THE STUDENT VOICE (IF APPROPRIATE)
If appropriate, involve the student in discussions about their goals, accommodations, and progress. Listen to what they have to say, their dreams, desires, goals.
DON'T LET PERSONAL BIAS GET IN THE WAY
Every student deserves full access to their IEP supports. Don’t let personal opinions about a diagnosis, disability, behavior, abilities, the student themselves, their parents, etc. affect how you follow the plan.
WATCH WHAT YOU SAY
This one is very simple… don’t say anything that will come back to haunt you! Remember, the IEP is a legal document, and what is said in meetings are recorded in the notes!
DON'T HIDE ANYTHING
Don’t withhold information because you are afraid of what the parent is going to say or how they are going to respond.