Yes, as they say it takes a village to raise a child. And that is why we need YOU. Whether YOU are a parent, a general education teacher, a principal and administrator, YOU are part of the IEP team. YOU are important. YOU can help make inclusion happen!
The pamphlet "Building IEP's with Maryland Families:What A GREAT IDEA" is an excellent source of information from the Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). According to this "user-friendly" resource, opinions of all the team members are heard in a respectful, open environment. It is a great read!
THE IEP TEAM according to the Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services, Maryland State Department of Education :
1. The PARENTS know their child best and can discuss their child's personality and history. Parents offer insight into past educational experiences and can help team members understand the student's strengths, needs, frustration and interests. Parents and students may invite anyone they choose to attend the meeting.
2. The GENERAL EDUCATION TEACHER has the knowledge of the school's general education curriculum requirements.
3. The SPECIAL EDUCATOR or special educations provider knows specialized techniques and strategies for instruction and will likely provide services to the student.
4. A PUBLIC AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE is an individual qualified to provide and supervise the provision of specially-designed instruction to meet the student's unique needs. The person should know about the general education curriculum and availability of resources, and be able to commit these resources to implement the IEP.
5. An INDIVIDUAL WHO CAN INTERPRET INSTRUCTIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF EVALUATION RESULTS may be one of the teachers, the public agency representative or appropriate related service personnel.
6. An INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS KNOWLEDGE OR SPECIAL EXPERTISE REGARDING THE STUDENT may be a related service provider such as an speech language therapist, occupational or physical therapist.
7. Since THE STUDENT is the focal point of the IEP development, whenever possible (if determined appropriate), the student should attend the IEP meeting. Beginning at the age of 14, the school should invite students to the IEP meeting when transition planning takes place. If the student is unable to attend the IEP meeting, consideration for the student's preference and interests is to ensured by the public agency representative along with the parents.
