As a special educator, I encounter Individual Education Plans–commonly known as IEPs–every day. As a parent of a special needs student, I likewise understand how overwhelming and confusing these book-length documents can be. In the wake of President Trump gutting the Department of Education (DOE), it’s more important than ever that we all understand these documents and advocate for our children.
By taking an active role in understanding IEPs, parents and educators can work together to ensure the least amount of disruption for the special education students relying on individualized plans to gain a vital education. In addition to writing to local, state, and federal legislators to lobby for special education funding, taking an active role in day-to-day activities and communication can make a vital difference for these students.
It’s a common misconception that IEPs lower academic standards or segregate students—these plans are extensions of Civil Rights Law, and ensure students receive access to a free and appropriate public education. IEPs are designed to provide individualized support with the goal of enabling students to engage in the general education curriculum along with their peers. This results in improved social skills for most children with disabilities, and helps all students become more accepting of different ways of learning. At Hanna Academy, where I work, we design each IEP around the student—and we often tell families our school may not be the right fit for their child’s needs. This honesty is so important, because not all resources are created equal, and advocating for children with special needs means treating each one as the individual they are.
Because each student’s needs are unique, and evolve as the child grows and develops, it’s important for everyone to take an active role in ensuring a child’s IEP is getting the desired results. Simple actions, like getting to know the teachers and administrators in a child’s school or discussing school regularly with each child, are a great first step in discovering if an IEP is working effectively or may need to be adjusted. While IEP meetings and paperwork can feel cumbersome, these plans are designed to be adjusted—specifically so children can access fair education that’s responsive to their needs.
Now, with the civil rights protections of IEPs under threat due to the Trump administration’s recent slashing of the DOE, our special needs students need advocacy more than ever. So far, the administration has slashed $900 million in education research contracts and more than $600 million in educator preparation grants. This disruption means many school systems will feel the strain of budget cuts acutely, and grassroots advocacy from parents, family members, and others will become increasingly vital to helping special needs students. Likewise, these cuts could influence the legal protections that help keep special needs students in their home schools, alongside their siblings and peers—two groups whose support dramatically helps special needs students.
Together, we can ensure that all children receive the education they deserve—it takes a few simple steps and open lines of communication. Read on for my tips for parents and advocates to ensure your child’s needs are being met, and how to act if they’re not.
- Nobody knows your child as well as you do.
Don’t hesitate to speak up if you feel your child’s needs are not being met: Nobody understands your child and his or her behaviors better than you do as a parent. While it can feel intimidating, you are an essential member of the IEP team and have valuable insights into your child’s strengths and challenges. Actively advocating for your child at every step in the process ensures that the educational plan remains appropriate and effective.
Keep track of your child’s progress toward their IEP goals. Review progress reports and work samples, and observe any changes at home. If you notice any concerns, discuss them with the IEP team to make necessary adjustments.
- Keep an open dialogue.
The teachers, administrators, and counselors assigned to your child are genuinely there to help –while it can seem intimidating and stressful, the best way to ensure success for the child is to keep an open line of communication with everyone on the IEP team. This can be as simple as sending an email after an incident at school or home, or continuing to ask questions about your child’s interactions at school. Regular check-ins can help ensure that the IEP is being implemented correctly and that your child’s needs are being addressed or ensure that changes are made immediately if your child’s needs have changed or are not being met.
- Not all resources are created equal.
In some cases, your local school may not be able to provide ideal resources for your child. It’s important to remember that an IEP is one step toward guaranteeing your child receives access to a free and appropriate public education. Investigate the resources available with your county—a case manager or school counselor can usually help with this—and consider looking into non-public institutions. Remember, you know best what will work for your child and don’t hesitate to inquire about resources of all shapes and sizes.