The Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) calls for a team of individuals,
including parents and school personnel, to work together to develop an
Individual Educational Program (IEP) for a child who qualifies for special
education services. IEP decisions are made by a team rather than by any one
individual. Its people, parents and professionals, who come together to
develop an appropriate educational program. The rules of this process are
provided by IDEA, but what happens within those rules is up to the people
building the educational plan. The process requires effective communication
skills, honesty, respect and trust. The special education process requires
people skills for effective educational planning.
What people skills have you
found most helpful in working with your child’s IEP team?
