The IEP Meeting is Over. The Real Work Begins.
A signed piece of paper changes nothing. Implementation changes everything. Here is how you ensure the promises made in that room actually reach your child's classroom.
Step 1: The "Paper Trail" Email (Send Within 24 Hours)
Do not wait for the official notes. They will be written from the school's perspective. You need to establish your record of the conversation immediately.
📧 Copy/Paste This Email Template
Subject: Follow-up: IEP Meeting for [Child's Name] on [Date]
Dear [Case Manager Name],
Thank you for facilitating the meeting yesterday. I appreciate the team's time. I am writing to summarize my understanding of the key decisions made, to ensure we are all on the same page while I wait for the Prior Written Notice:
- We agreed to add: [Service/Accommodation, e.g., 30 mins/week of Social Skills support].
- We agreed to remove: [Any service dropped].
- Data Request: You agreed to send me the raw data sheets for [Goal X] every Friday.
- Outstanding Item: We did not resolve the discussion regarding [Unresolved Topic]. We agreed to revisit this in 30 days.
If I have misunderstood any of these points, please reply with corrections within 48 hours. Otherwise, I will assume this summary is accurate.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Why this works: It forces them to correct you immediately if they disagree. If they don't reply, your email becomes part of the legal record.
Step 2: Watch for the PWN (Prior Written Notice)
The Prior Written Notice (PWN) is the most important document you’ve probably never heard of. By law, the school must send this to you after they propose or refuse any action during an IEP meeting.
⚠️ Red Flag Warning
If you asked for a 1:1 aide and they said "No," but the PWN does not list that refusal, the refusal never officially happened.
Action Item: Check the PWN immediately. Does it list:
- What they refused?
- Why they refused it?
- What data they used to make that decision?
"The PWN is incomplete. It does not list the district's refusal of the 1:1 aide and the specific data used to justify that refusal. Please reissue the PWN."
Step 3: The 30-Day "Stranger Test" Audit
Wait 3 to 4 weeks for implementation to settle. Then, conduct a spot check. Every IEP should pass the "Stranger Test"—meaning a stranger (like a substitute teacher) should be able to read it and know exactly how to support your child.
- ● Ask your child: "Did you go to the resource room for reading today?" (Verify the schedule vs. the State Timeline mandates).
- ● Check the homework: "Is this modified as promised?" (e.g., Are the odd numbers crossed out per the accommodations?).
- ● Email the teacher: "We are 30 days in. Can you send me a quick photo of the data chart for the 'Task Initiation' goal? I'd love to celebrate progress at home."
Long-Term: Data vs. "Vibes"
At the next reporting period (usually quarterly), you will get a progress report. It will likely say "Progressing Satisfactorily." This means nothing without evidence.
❌ Bad Data (Vibes)
"Johnny is doing much better with controlling his outbursts."
Subjective. Unprovable.
✅ Real Data (Evidence)
"Johnny had 2 outbursts this week, down from 5 last week. Duration decreased from 20 mins to 8 mins."
Objective. Measurable.
Your Right: You have the right to see the raw data logs. If the progress report is vague, ask to see the teacher's tally sheets or evaluation logs.
When to Request an Emergency Revision
You do not have to wait a year for the next annual review. Request an amendment or Evaluation immediately if:
- New Behaviors Emerge: Your child starts refusing to go to school or regressing in basic skills (signs of unsupported stress).
- Grades Drop Suddenly: A B-student dropping to D's indicates the current supports are no longer providing FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education).
- Safety Issues: Any instance of bullying, elopement (running away), or physical restraint.