The IEP Team

IEP case managers: please refresh yourselves with IDEA 2004 Section 300.321 which provides guidance on the composition of the IEP team. It states:

(a) General. The public agency must ensure that the IEP Team for each child with a disability includes--

(1) The parents of the child;

(2) Not less than one regular education teacher of the child (if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment);

(3) Not less than one special education teacher of the child, or where appropriate, not less than one special education provider of the child;

(4) A representative of the public agency who--

(i) Is qualified to provide, or supervise the provision of, specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities;

(ii) Is knowledgeable about the general edcuation curriculum; and

(iii) Is knowledgeable about the availability of resources of the public agency

(5) An individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation result, who may be a member of the team described in paragraphs (a)(2) through (a)(6) of this section;

(6) At the discretion of the parent or the agency, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate; and

(7) Whenever appropriate, the child with a disability.

It is always advised to schedule your IEP meetings at least a week in advance of the annual review date just in case for some reason you have difficulty getting the IEP team together. It can be quite challenging to find a commonly agreed upon day and hour to get several busy people together around the table. Keep in mind that it is perfectly acceptable to hold a conference call with the parent and other IEP team members when the parent is unable to participate. Just be sure to have each team member introduce himself/herself so the parent is aware of who is in the room.

I will address IEP team participation requirements for students eligible for transition services tomorrow. Have a great day!