Midyear IEP Checklist

With the school year half over, it’s a good time to touch base with any parents of students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Although it’s not necessary to review these with parents every semester, it can be worthwhile if you have concerns or just want to make sure parents are in the loop about their child’s performance and behavior in your classroom. Here are a few things to cover during such a discussion:

• The student’s progress – The initial IEP laid out goals for the year: academic, behavioral, social or other. Bring up how the student is progressing toward them and whether any new goals should be added (or whether any goals should be adjusted or removed).
• Services for the student – Does the student need any additional services in your opinion? Does the parent agree or have other ideas? Discuss whether the student’s needs are being met.
• Accommodations – If you or the parent feel that the accommodations that are in place are not addressing a student’s issues appropriately, this might be worth revisiting. Perhaps there are adjustments you can make to the learning environment that would help or new strategies that would enable the student to make better transitions or stay more focused.
• The school-day schedule – Sometimes, it helps parents to know what goes on in your classroom on a daily basis, especially with younger children. Seeing the flow of the day might spark ideas for them on how you as the teacher can make sure the student is able to be productive and successful every day.
• Medication – If the student takes any medication, make sure you understand from the parent what the intended effect is of that medication so you can share your observations. It’s important to communicate any concerning side effects (like sleepiness) and whether a child’s typical symptoms (e.g., lack of focus or hyperactivity) are improved.

If you have a student who needs additional support, refer parents to Huntington. We work with many students with disabilities and can help them make progress toward IEP goals. More importantly, we can help them build the confidence and motivation to succeed in school, this year and for years to come.