The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Think...Before you IEP is a program developed for parents to gain an understanding of the history of special education, the essential components of the IEP process, and develop strategies to use at the IEP meeting to foster collaboration while still getting their child’s needs met. Parental involvement has had the greatest impact on the development of services for children with disabilities. Parental involvement is the only means by which future development will occur. Carter (2002) provided a synthesis of the literature on family involvement in education and the impact on student outcome. Carter's findings suggest that parental involvement in education has a significant positive effect on student outcome; variations have been found in the effects of parental involvement based upon culture, socioeconomic status and ethnicity; involvement at home has the greatest impact on the educational outcomes; and parents need guidance and assistance in helping students with homework. The most promising effects of parental involvement are when families, schools and community based organization come together to support children. The purpose of Think….Before you IEP is to assist parents in developing their understanding of the role of the parents in the history of special education, in understanding the legal components of the IEP process, in gaining knowledge in the terminology used in education and to provide parents with four practical strategies they can use during an IEP meeting to increase collaboration while getting their child's needs met. This session will begin with the history and development of special education as it relates to parents' involvement. Parents will learn how their advocacy and involvement has influenced policy. Participants will also understand the great strides that have been made in disability rights over the last 30 plus years. Through their action, disability services have come a long way. Second, participants will be educated on the essential and legal components of the IEP. Once participants are made aware of the components, they will be better prepared to advocate for children. The essential terminology and acronyms used in the education system will be defined. Lastly, Parents will learn how to be a leader of the IEP team by using simple communication and collaboration strategies to guide the IEP team, to lead the team without becoming angry or emotional, and to make sure the IEP team becomes aware that parents know IDEA law without appearing pushy or overbearing. Four strategies will be presented to the participants. Strategies presented are easy to use and functional. Participants will be given role-playing scenarios to practice and prepare to use the strategies. Think…Before you IEP is a practical guide to the IEP process. This program will empower participants to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities.

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