IEP Meeting at School

IEP Meetings

How to Get Through Your Special Education Meeting

f you dread your special education meetings (or any school meeting all about you), you’re not alone. Most people don’t have to sit in a meeting where multiple professionals – teachers, counselors, therapists, etc. talk about their progress – or lack thereof. Painful, right?

Or you might be thinking you kind of like these meetings if you are a student who works really hard all the time and all of the professionals come with only nice things to say. However, even in this case it can still be awkward or uncomfortable.

So how does one manage the discomfort of such meetings?

  1. It is OK for you to speak out your concerns, goals, and desires at these meetings. Here’s the most important thing I can teach you: those are supposed to be the purpose of these meetings!

  2. These meetings are not supposed to be parent/teacher conferences, they are not intended to be a forum for teachers to complain about everything you’ve ever done wrong, and they most certainly are not productive if the focus is not on how to help you be successful.

  3. Let’s focus on what the school DOES want you to do, tools that can be implemented to help you reach your full potential, and a plan for how you will successfully complete your school experience.

If you are in a meeting and you notice the focus is not on your goals and ways the school can help you reach those goals, speak up. Politely mention that it is easier to improve if you s) feel comfortable and b) know the expectations.

Talk to your parent(s) before the meeting about helping you be sure the meeting is productive!

Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!