One of the most essential parts of the special education practice for school professionals is – Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. In IEP meetings, generally educators, parents, as well as students gather in person at school but at present, due to the current situation, digital tools can be used for this work. How to conduct virtual IEPs efficiently? We have put together a complete guide on conducting a successful IEP meeting virtually.
The Individualized Education Programs are the carefully created plans planned to meet the educational requirements of children with learning and physical special needs. The extended shutting of schools due to COVID19 has triggered difficulties within the special education community. As a result, without access to the school building, the development of holding IEP meetings has become a concern for special educators and parents as well.
Consecutively, with time, the immense use of technology to deliver services to learners by including digital platforms have paved the way. Now, educators and parents both are getting connected by Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or other conferencing platforms to maintain the IEP timeline.
Table of Contents
Conducting Virtual IEP Meetings Successfully
Good Connectivity
Arrange good connectivity to attend the IEP meetings through videoconferencing. Also, including the parents over the same platform to join in will engross the parents as well. This will establish their self-assurance in online educational services more. Google Hangouts delivers the opportunity to create conference calls using both phone numbers and email addresses. Try to set up a conference line or use the phone for audio back-up, so that if there are problems with wireless connections or the internet goes out, you can continue the meeting over the phone.
Organize District Calendars
Here, take the help from Google Calendar as it offers the aptitude to see when supervise members are available. With this, you may also search for each district team member and see the dates and times for meetings or appointments. This makes it easier to call families as well as deliver several opportunities for scheduling IEP meetings.
Well-prepared Agenda
For the smooth process, having a digital agenda can help you a lot. This helps to make the change to web conferences run effortlessly and with a brief list of things, it can be accommodating to all members of the IEP meetings to know what will be discussed next. However, remember, this agenda needs to be arranged and shared in advance of the IEP meeting to safeguard proper contribution from all team members.
Maintain Confidentiality
Teachers can do this by just enabling the privacy feature in emails. It is quite understandable that due to the rise in email communication between affiliates of the IEP team brings up the concern of email confidentiality. Gmail and Outlook both have confidentiality means that can be enabled on outgoing messages.
Clear Communication
Start the meeting by introducing yourself formally and let all members of the team take their respective turns with introductions. This practice will provide context to the content being discussed by improving communication. Perceive conversational custom by interrupting politely (when required) when you talk over another orator. Don’t hesitate to ask for explanations and repetition of information throughout the IEP meeting.
Increase Student Contribution
For the effectiveness of the IEP meetings, students also should be attending their meetings. You may do this by sending invitations to the apprentice’s district-provided email. They can participate actively or simply listen to the discussion. Sometimes, learners may share their screen where they can show their works which they have completed throughout the year. This will lead the team to determine areas of asset or skills where an apprentice feels they need more sustenance.
Parental Involvement Outside of IEP Meetings
Educators need to understand the involvement of parents, families and caretakers too. It is crucial to remember to include them in the process of special education. Nevertheless, in IEP meetings, families are always considered. However, they need to be stimulated to be part of the instructional planning, as well.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is an excellent prospect to shape the relationship between the teacher and the students with various special needs. With a little preparation and the right special education courses for teaching professionals, you can safeguard a successful experience leading IEP meetings virtually.
