Engaging STUDENTS discussion questions:
What are some of the challenges STUDENTS are facing?
What thoughts, feelings might they have in coming to their IEP or VR meeting?
What might be important to the STUDENT?
What are STUDENTS thinking and doing who are motivated and engaged in the IEP/VR meeting process?
Imagine you are leaving after an IEP or VR meeting and you overhear a conversation on your way out…….what would you like the STUDENT to say about you? (what would you like them to say about us and their experience?)
What would you convey to that person to increase the likelihood of those things being said?
What are you already doing to engage STUDENTS?
Preparation using because….or “why” worksheets
Building trust before the meeting and throughout, for example meeting them in a relaxed setting like “lunch”
Script or structured statement to start the meeting and set the tone for everyone
Meeting preparation and/or student led meetings. Assist with preparing questions to ask, etc. Student led summaries.
Educate student about the process, lingo, etc.
Offer alternate options for participation such as video, PowerPoint, etc.
Show models of other students participating or offer student mentors
Honor differences and individual needs
Engaging PARENTS discussion questions:
What are some of the challenges PARENTS are facing?
What thoughts, feelings might they have in coming to their child’s IEP or VR meeting?
What might be important to the PARENT?
What are PARENTS thinking and doing who are motivated and engaged as partners with the school/VR?
Imagine you are leaving after an IEP or VR meeting and you overhear a conversation on your way out…….what would you like the PARENT(S) to say about you? (what would you like them to say about us and their experience?)
What would you convey to that person to increase the likelihood of those things being said?
What are you already doing to engage PARENTS?
Inviting their participation in appointments and meetings
Listening to their concerns
Communication, follow-up and changes
Pro-active communication
Assure consistency, care and compassion
Be organized with who we need to stay in contact with on a regular basis to assure goals are met
Document progress
Offering options/presenting choices
Flexibility with where/when meetings are held to coordinate and accommodate
Being open-minded
Intentional team player
Engaging ADVOCATES discussion questions:
What are some of the challenges Advocates are facing?
What thoughts, feelings Advocates might they have in coming to an IEP or VR meeting?
What might be important to the Advocate?
What are Advocates thinking and doing who are motivated and engaged as partners with the school/VR?
Imagine you are leaving after an IEP or VR meeting and you overhear a conversation on your way out…….what would you like the Advocate to say about you? (what would you like them to say about us and their experience?)
What would you convey to that person to increase the likelihood of those things being said?
What are you already doing to engage Advocates?
Communicating with them before, during and after meetings to collaborate
Provide clarification and assistance to understand their role and everyone else’s roles
Respect their role within the team
Actively affirm their knowledge and contribution directly