Newport County Regional Special Education

26 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842
401-847-3916 ~ Fax: 401-848-5927

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How to Enhance the Evaluation/IEP Process

Parents Should:
  1. Talk to your child's teachers.
  2. Ask if a referral for an evaluation is being requested.
  3. Let the team know you wish to be actively involved in the process. Remember that you have an equal role on the team.
  4. Ask what evaluation measures are to be used and why.
  5. Ask for the qualifications of the examiners, and the time and place of the evaluation.
  6. Obtain all school records prior to the team meeting(s) including: private assessments, medical records, prior IEPs, progress notes, report cards, teachers' notes, written observations, etc. KEEP COPIES OF ALL DOCUMENTS TOGETHER IN YOUR OWN FILE.
  7. Discuss the evaluation with the person(s) who did the evaluation.
  8. Get the child's input, where appropriate.
  9. Be prepared for the meeting. Be assertive - leave your anger at home - stay objective.
  10. Make a list of your child's present level of functioning based on your observations: academic skills, developmental skills (if pre-academic), motor skills, language skills, emotional/behavior skills, self-help skills, pre-vocational skills or any other concerns.
  11. List goals/objectives you feel your child should attain and prioritize them.
  12. List the special education services your child may need.
  13. List the related services your child may need.
  14. Meet with the team at a mutually convenient time and place. Find out who will be at the meeting and what their roles will be.
  15. Let the team know if you are bringing someone to the meeting. Bring a tape recorder if you wish or bring someone to take notes.
  16. Be on time.
  17. If introductions aren't made, introduce yourself and ask the others to do the same including their function or role at this meeting (i.e. Mrs. Smith, the school nurse).
  18. Ask how the proposed program will affect regular class time (work).
  19. Explain any changes in the program to your child.
  20. Share with the team any concerns your child may have.
  21. Monitor the IEP to insure that the goals and objectives are carried out and that services listed are provided.
  22. You may request a review of the IEP at any time.
  23. Request that minutes of the IEP be taken and that you receive a copy.
  24. Remember to thank members of the team for their efforts and to give genuine praise when appropriate.