Getting Started with the Transition Planning Process Fall 2009 ESE 426

Where Do You Start? Who’s in charge? What is the first thing to do at an IEP/transition planning meeting? How do you keep it organized and flowing?

Seven Habits Be proactive Begin with the end in mind Put first things first Think win-win Seek first to understand, then to be understood Synergize Sharpening the saw

Respond To This… Having consensus in an IEP meeting is critical to its success. Principal Fife, in order to minimize adversarial and unproductive conflict, discourages questioning of the professionals in the meeting (e.g., physical therapist, special education teacher, school psychologist, etc.). Does thisaccomplish the desired goal?

Time Some school districts allot one hour for an IEP meeting due to teacher contract days. Discuss the impact of this practice on the efficacy of the transition planning process?

8 tips for Conducting a Meeting 2. Tell the parents, in writing, who the school district is inviting to the IEP meeting and what their role is 3. Make sure all of the right people are invited to the IEP meeting 4. Ask the parents if they would like other individuals invited to the meeting 5. Do not set a time limit for the meeting 6. Facilitate open discussion among all members of the IEP team 7. Translate professional mumbo jumbo 8. Remember whose child it is