Special education requires documents and records. Individualized Education Program (IEP) team planning and meetings run more efficiently when everyone has their “data” well organized. What methods have you found helpful in becoming organized?
I find it helpful to spend some time the evening before a meeting organizing my thoughts and determining what my priorities might be for the meeting. I have also found it helpful to keep all records and correspondence in a file drawer that I can easily access. The PACER record keeping folder is a good way to do this.
I review the IEP and make a list of concerns, questions or changes I would like to discuss prior to attending the IEP meeting. My agenda helps keep the meeting on track and becomes a checklist to make sure everything is discussed. I take separate notes during the meeting and place them in a records keeping folder with other special education records.
I use a really large (!) three ring binder with tabs for the evaluation reports, IEPs, progress reports, etc. I purchased plastic section dividers with pockets on each side so I can slide the records in the right section until I am able to 3-hole punch the paper to add to that section. I use a "clearview" binder that allows me to slip a current 5x7" photo of my child in for the cover. That way I am sure his photo is on display at every meeting, which helps to keep everyone focused on my child.
I find it helpful to spend some time the evening before a meeting organizing my thoughts and determining what my priorities might be for the meeting. I have also found it helpful to keep all records and correspondence in a file drawer that I can easily access. The PACER record keeping folder is a good way to do this.
ReplyDeleteI review the IEP and make a list of concerns, questions or changes I would like to discuss prior to attending the IEP meeting. My agenda helps keep the meeting on track and becomes a checklist to make sure everything is discussed. I take separate notes during the meeting and place them in a records keeping folder with other special education records.
ReplyDeleteI use a really large (!) three ring binder with tabs for the evaluation reports, IEPs, progress reports, etc. I purchased plastic section dividers with pockets on each side so I can slide the records in the right section until I am able to 3-hole punch the paper to add to that section. I use a "clearview" binder that allows me to slip a current 5x7" photo of my child in for the cover. That way I am sure his photo is on display at every meeting, which helps to keep everyone focused on my child.
ReplyDelete