An IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting brings together special education teachers, specialists, and parents to work on creating, reviewing, or updating a plan for a student with disabilities.
This plan sets specific learning goals, outlines necessary accommodations & related services, and details how the student’s progress will be monitored.
Whether it’s the initial evaluation or planning for a student’s transition into adulthood, each IEP meeting serves a unique purpose in shaping a student's educational path.
The meeting agenda may also include new interventions, behavioral supports, and any modifications needed to help the student access the general education classroom.
But why are there different types of IEP meetings? Each student’s needs evolve over time, which is why schools hold various IEP meetings throughout the year. These meetings can address progress updates, behavioral challenges, or changes in circumstances that impact the student's education
In some cases when parents and the school disagree over certain aspects of the IEP, the meeting provides a forum to resolve these disputes.
1. Initial IEP Meeting
This type of IEP meeting marks the first step in a student’s special education journey; it's held after the student has been evaluated and determined eligible for the special education process.
During the meeting, the IEP team reviews evaluation results to identify the student’s strengths, challenges, and areas that require support.
Together, the team develops the first IEP, which includes:
- Setting measurable goals
- Defining necessary accommodations
- Determining related services like speech or occupational therapy
This meeting typically includes parents, teachers, administrators, and specialists to ensure the plan is both comprehensive and personalized.
2. Annual IEP Meeting
The Annual IEP Meeting is held yearly to review a student's progress and ensure their IEP continues to meet their needs. The team assesses the student's academic and behavioral progress to adjust goals and services as needed.
For older students, the school also encourages their involvement to help them advocate for themselves and prepare for future transitions.
The team also reviews:
- Differentiated instruction strategies during annual IEP meetings to ensure personalized support fits the student’s learning style.
- Collaboration between general and special education staff to ensure the student’s successful integration into the classroom
3. Review IEP Meeting
A Review IEP Meeting, also known as Amendment Meeting, can be held anytime during the school year when updates to a student’s IEP are required.
This meeting allows the IEP team to make timely adjustments to the plan without waiting for the next Annual IEP Meeting.
The team may call for a Review Meeting when the student’s needs have changed, whether due to progress, new challenges, or evolving circumstances in the classroom.
For example, adjustments may include:
- Adding new interventions
- Increasing support in certain subjects
- Modifying accommodations like assistive technology or classroom adjustments
4. Reevaluation IEP Meeting
The school holds a Reevaluation IEP Meeting every three years, though it can happen earlier if needed.
This type of IEP meeting reassesses the student's eligibility for SpEd services and ensures their current IEP effectively meets their needs.
Updated evaluation results, such as academic, cognitive, or behavioral assessments, are reviewed.
For instance, a student who previously required speech therapy may now need more support in areas like social skills or academics.
5. Transition IEP Meeting
The Transition IEP Meeting helps prepare students for life after high school; it focuses on post-secondary education, employment, or independent living.
The IEP team works together to create an effective IEP transition plan which outlines clear goals, whether the student is aiming for college, vocational training, or learning essential life skills.
For students with disabilities, especially those with autism, transitions can be particularly challenging.
The transition plan addresses such challenges through work-based learning, social skills training, or community involvement to help the student adapt.
6. Dismissal IEP Meeting
The Dismissal IEP Meeting or Exit Meeting occurs when the team determines that a student no longer requires SpEd services.
The team reviews students' progress and confirms they have met their goals.
Suppose a student with learning disabilities has made significant progress in reading and writing and is now performing at grade level. In such cases, the team transitions the student out of special education and into general education, with continued support like extra time on assignments if needed.
7. Disciplinary IEP Meeting
The school convenes a Disciplinary IEP Meeting when a student with an IEP faces suspension or expulsion, and the team must evaluate whether the student’s behavior is related to their disability.
For instance, if a student with ADHD acts out due to inadequate support, the team may conclude that the behavior is a result of the disability. In this case, the IEP is revised, and a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) may be developed or updated, with targeted interventions like positive reinforcement, scheduled movement breaks, or behavioral counseling.
