Common Mistakes in IEP Meetings

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  1. Inattention to procedure: Parents not notified early – Date and time not mutually agreeable – Records not available
  1. Wrong personnel at meeting
  1. Inadequate evaluation
  1. Placement decision made before writing IEP
  1. Incomplete statement in the IEP – often short term instructional objectives are missing
  1. No accounting for the progress made on the current IEP
  1. No information about the student’s current level of performance (e.g. goals should relate to the current level of performance)
  1. Goals are not measurable
  1. The same goals repeated year after year
  1. No specificity as to the amount and types of related services needed
  1. Goals unrelated to academics or to functional, real life activities
  1. Goals written for schools staff rather than the child (e.g. The teacher will meet with the student for 15 min. after school to assist with homework)
  1. Regular classroom not offered as a first option, with supplementary aides and services
  1. Placement decisions made on what’s available
  1. The program is not implemented
  1. The school district acts as if they are doing you a favor – it’s the law!