The IEP Meeting: What to Expect
If your child qualifies for special education services in Massachusetts, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is a critical step in ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive academically and developmentally. For parents, these meetings can sometimes feel overwhelming, but preparation and understanding the process can empower you to be your child’s best advocate.
This article will break down what you can expect during an IEP meeting in Massachusetts, focusing on the key players, the agenda, and vital resources. For more details on the differences between special education plans, see our post on IEPs vs. 504 Plans, and be sure to reference our IEP Meeting Checklist for parents for preparation tips. You may also find our resource on understanding your parent rights helpful.
The Purpose of the IEP Meeting
The core purpose of the IEP meeting is to review the results of your child’s educational assessments, determine their current levels of performance, set achievable annual goals, and decide on the specific special education services and accommodations (the IEP) that will be provided. The ultimate goal is to create a legally binding document that outlines a plan for your child's success in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
Who Will Be at the Meeting?
The IEP team is a group of individuals who know your child and can make informed decisions about their educational needs. By law, the following people must be invited:
You, the Parent/Guardian: You are a mandatory and equal member of the team. Your insight into your child's strengths, challenges, and aspirations is invaluable.
The Student (when appropriate): Students aged 14 and older (or younger if appropriate) must be invited to discuss transition services, but they can be invited at any age.
A Regular Education Teacher: If your child is or may be participating in the general education environment.
A Special Education Teacher or Provider: Someone who is knowledgeable about special education services and your child’s needs.
A School District Representative (Local Education Agency or LEA): A person qualified to provide or supervise specially designed instruction and who is knowledgeable about the availability of the district’s resources. This is often the Team Chairperson or a school administrator.
An Individual Who Can Interpret Evaluation Results: Often a school psychologist or other specialist who can explain assessment data.
Other Individuals with Knowledge or Special Expertise: You have the right to bring anyone you feel is important, such as an advocate, a private therapist, or another family member. The school may also invite related service providers (e.g., speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists).
The IEP Meeting Agenda: Step-by-Step
While the order may vary slightly, most IEP meetings follow a predictable flow:
1. Introductions and Procedural Safeguards
The Team Chairperson will begin by introducing everyone and confirming their roles. You will be asked if you received and understand your Procedural Safeguards, which outline your rights as a parent under special education law (IDEA and MGL Chapter 71B).
2. Review of Evaluations and Eligibility Determination
The team will review all completed evaluations (school-based and independent) and present the evaluation results to determine if your child meets the criteria for one or more of the 14 disability categories under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Massachusetts special education regulations.
The team will use the DESE Eligibility Flowchart to guide this determination, answering three core questions:
Does the student have a disability? (Based on evaluation results meeting state criteria).
To determine eligibility, the team will refer to the DESE Special Education Eligibility Flowchart. It is also useful to be familiar with the DESE Disability Categories.
Is the student, as a result of the disability, making effective progress in the general education program? (Looking at data on academic, social-emotional, and functional progress).
Does the student require specially designed instruction to make effective progress or require a related service in order to access the general education curriculum?
If the answer to all three questions is "Yes," the student is eligible for special education services and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed.
3. Review of Current Performance (PLEP A & B)
This section focuses on your child’s present levels of educational performance.
PLEP A - General Curriculum: How your child's disability impacts their progress in the general education curriculum.
PLEP B - Other Educational Needs: Discussion of non-academic needs, such as social-emotional, functional, or developmental areas.
This review is based on teacher input, recent evaluations, and your observations.
4. Setting Annual Goals
Based on the performance data, the team will develop measurable annual goals. These goals must be challenging yet achievable within the course of one year and should directly address the needs identified in the PLEP section.
5. Determining Services and Accommodations
This is where the team determines what services your child will receive, who will provide them, how often, and where they will be delivered (e.g., small group instruction, consultation, speech therapy). The team will also discuss accommodations (changes to how the student learns, e.g., extended time on tests) and modifications (changes to what the student is expected to learn).
6. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
The IEP team must determine the maximum extent to which your child will be educated with non-disabled peers. Services should be provided in the general education setting whenever appropriate. If your child requires a more restrictive setting (e.g., a substantially separate classroom), the team must explain why the general education setting is not appropriate.
7. Placement Decision and Next Steps
The team will propose the final IEP document and the corresponding educational placement. You will have a chance to ask final questions.
Your Role as a Parent
Your participation is crucial. Before the meeting:
Gather Information: Organize any private evaluations, medical reports, or work samples.
Prepare Input: Write down your concerns, your child's strengths, and what you hope to see them accomplish this year.
Review Documents: Read the proposed IEP and evaluation reports thoroughly before the meeting.
During the meeting, remember that you do not have to sign the IEP immediately. Massachusetts law gives you time to review the document. If you agree with the IEP, you sign it, and services begin. If you disagree, you can accept parts you agree with and reject parts you disagree with, or reject the entire plan.
The clinical team at Cognitive Canvas, LLC offers expert consultation on the school-based decision-making processes within special education. For families facing complex situations or disagreements with the school district, our special education legal support team is available for consultation to help ensure your child's rights are protected.
Essential Massachusetts Resources
Navigating special education is easier when you know where to find reliable information.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE): This is the official source for special education regulations, guidelines, and forms in Massachusetts. You can find essential information on their website, including the DESE Parent's Guide to Special Education, which is a comprehensive document detailing parental rights and the IEP process.
Search "DESE Parent's Guide to Special Education"
Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN): This is a Massachusetts-based organization that provides invaluable training, information, and support directly to families of children with disabilities.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71B: This is the specific state law that governs special education in Massachusetts, outlining the rights of students and the responsibilities of school districts.
Proudly serving the Merrimack Valley area and surrounding communities, Cognitive Canvas, LLC's offices are conveniently located in Andover, MA. Contact us for support.