When your child receives a diagnosis, it can bring a mix of relief and overwhelm. While there may still be some uncertainty, a diagnosis also means clarity—and that clarity is powerful. Now, you can move forward with confidence, knowing there’s a path to getting them the support they need to thrive. As you head into your first IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting, you’ll want to feel as informed and prepared as possible. Here are some key questions you might consider to ensure your child’s plan is tailored to their unique needs.
1. Intervention and Instructional Support
Understanding the type of intervention your child will receive is crucial, as not all instructional methods are equally effective for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. Here are a few questions to guide the discussion:
What specific interventions will be provided to address their dyslexia and dysgraphia?
Will they receive Structured Literacy or Orton-Gillingham-based instruction? If so, how frequently? If not, could you explain why and what alternative instructional method will be used?
Who will be delivering these interventions? Are they trained in evidence-based programs specifically for dyslexia?
These questions will help you gain insight into the strategies and expertise that will be focused on your child’s specific learning profile.
2. Classroom Accommodations
Supporting your child’s needs in the classroom can be essential for their confidence and success. Here’s what to ask about accommodations:
What accommodations will be in place to help with reading and writing, such as extended time, reduced written work, or access to audiobooks?
Will they be able to use assistive technology, like speech-to-text software or word prediction tools, to assist with writing?
Accommodations like these are essential for leveling the playing field and ensuring your child can fully participate in their learning experience.
3. Benchmark Testing and Assessments
Standardized testing can be especially challenging for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia, but accommodations can help them show their true potential. Ask about:
What accommodations will be in place for benchmark and standardized testing?
Can their standardized tests, such as the MAP test be administered with accommodations? Are there alternative ways to monitor progress that might more accurately reflect their abilities?
Having clarity around testing accommodations can prevent unnecessary frustration for your child and provide a better understanding of their true academic progress.
4. Goal-setting and Progress Monitoring
Clear, measurable goals and regular progress monitoring are key components of a successful IEP. To ensure growth is tracked, consider asking:
What specific, measurable goals will be set for reading and writing progress?
How often will progress be monitored, and how will updates be communicated to us?
If they aren’t meeting their goals, what additional supports are available?
By discussing progress monitoring upfront, you’ll gain a better understanding of how growth will be evaluated and adjusted if needed.
5. Future IEP Meetings and Adjustments
An IEP isn’t set in stone—it should evolve as your child grows and their needs change. Here are some questions about future meetings:
How frequently will the IEP be reviewed, and is it possible to meet sooner if adjustments seem necessary?
If we want to make changes to accommodations or services between meetings, what’s the process for doing so?
IEP meetings are a collaborative effort, and knowing how to request changes will help you stay actively involved in shaping your child’s educational journey.
Closing Thoughts
Having these questions ready for your first IEP meeting can help you feel more confident and prepared to advocate for your child’s unique needs. This meeting is an important step in their educational journey, and your role as their advocate will make a difference in the support they receive. Wishing you a productive and empowering IEP meeting!
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