9 Powerful Ways to Lead a Successful IEP Meeting | Prodigy

As a school leader, you take on the (rather lofty) responsibility of ensuring your students have enough support to learn, grow, and succeed in their education.

One way to achieve this growth — and promote a — is to make sure individualized education plans positive school culture ( IEPs) are effective and useful for every student that needs them.

To keep things running smoothly, you need to create an IEP that actually works . One of the best ways to do this is to run a successful IEP meeting.

Leading the IEP meeting is a big undertaking. It’s important to be a careful leader every step of the way, as certain mistakes can have serious consequences. For example, one principal was removed from a school for violating students’ IEPs .

We’ll explore:

Plus, we’ve put together a downloadable package of IEP meeting tips and checklists to keep at your desk!

Ready to feel confident and equipped to handle your role in the IEP process?

IEP Definition

Let’s start with the basics.

Each IEP is individually created for specific students with disabilities or who require special accommodations, such as gifted students. It outlines any expectations for the student that differ from regular curriculum goals.

The entirety of the IEP involves two components:

Each student’s Individualized Education Program is created by a unique IEP team, dedicated to their success. The IEPs are reviewed periodically to ensure progress is being made or to make alterations, if necessary.

A good IEP is much more than a mere overview of academic supports and services.

Individualized Education Programs should outline:

• The student’s strengths and needs
• How the student learns and performs best
• A detailed plan for the student’s individual success
• Services that will help the student achieve this success

They should also:

Why do we use IEPs?

IEPs are incredibly useful for students. They’re also mandatory at public schools, for every student who has the right to receive special education as per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) .

The IDEA outlines Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as an educational right of all children in the US. This means every student deserves a personalized education program that meets their individual needs — while meeting necessary educational standards.

IEPs give students personal goals and services and keep them on track — helping them build the necessary skills to succeed.

IEPs are also important for your school environment because:

• They focus on student strengths and how to leverage them.
• They involve a collaborative process.
• They use individualized goals and make sure students can achieve them.
• They give a complete picture of the student’s needs, not just academic requirements
• They’re flexible — designed to change and grow with the student.
• They give students and parents a voice and ensure legal protection.

How to write an IEP

If you’re running the IEP meeting, you’ll work with your team to put together a first draft of the IEP to go over.

IEPs can be lengthy documents, and their formats often differ — especially from state to state.

As an IEP writer, it’s understandably a bit daunting to get started on your draft. Thankfully, there are certain aspects all IEPs should be built on.

Here’s what you need to include in your IEP:

1. Current performance/strengths

It outlines the child’s strengths and needs, based on evaluations from IEP team members.

This section looks at more than just academic performance. It can also include:

• Attendance
• Physical activity levels
• Social skills
• Special diets (for example, if the student has diabetes or food allergies)
• Weather restrictions (ie. if the child has to stay indoors in certain temperatures)

Include annual goals for the student, usually broken down by term, created from the previously identified strengths and needs.

3. Special education and other services

Outline any accommodations and services the student requires.

Accommodations and supports might include things like:

Services may include things like:

4. Level of participation in the regular classroom

Specify how much time the student will spend in the regular classroom, working with other students, or participating in schoolwide activities.

Many factors will contribute to this decision, and the entire IEP team should work together to find a reasonable expectation.

5. Participation in state and district-wide tests

If a student is able to participate in standardized tests, make sure the IEP outlines modifications or assistance needed.

If the student is unable to participate in testing or if the test isn’t appropriate for the student, the IEP will outline how the child will be tested on the subject matter instead.

6. Answer the other 4 Ws (+ How)

Who will provide or assist with each service?

Where will the child spend the school day and receive services?

When will services begin, how often, and how long will they last?

Why are these goals and services outlined for this student?

How will each service be provided?

7. Transition plans

When a student reaches age 14, transition plans must be addressed to plan what subjects are needed to achieve future goals.

When the student reaches age 16, a transition plan is mandatory to prepare the student to leave the public school system.

The IEP should keep a record of the agreed-upon transition plan.

8. Progress measurement

Finally, the IEP outlines how progress will be measured for each skill, who will measure it, and how it will be reported to the rest of the team.

9 Tips to lead a successful IEP meeting

Now that your draft IEP is written, it’s time to coordinate the initial IEP meeting.

Leading a meeting is no small task — but any good leader would agree that the hard work is worth the reward!

Follow these nine guidelines to lead your most successful IEP meeting yet.

1. Create SMA RT IEP goals

Want an easy way to find out which IEP examples are good quality? Check whether or not they use SMART goals.

Specific, Measurable, Attainable/Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Try to include every SMART section when writing goals in the IEP document.

Use the following template as inspiration (but feel free to change your word order or add extra details):

To [identify skill being targeted], [Student] will [specific goal] with [attainable level of achievement] accuracy and [attainable level of support] supports by [attainable time frame], as measured by [how the skill will be measured, where, and by whom].

For more inspiration, check out our IEP goal bank below, organized by skill.

2. Bring extra documents

If you want a seamless implementation of the individualized education program, you’ll want as much documented information going into the meeting as possible. This can include:

• A written notice to all participants prior to the meeting — including the meeting agenda, dates and locations.
• A summary of IEP information — for all participants, or for occasional staff like substitute teachers.
• A template of the meeting minutes — for participants to fill out and log what’s been discussed.
• Informational resources for parents — including FAQs, legal rights, and plans going forward.

3. Keep students involved

Whenever possible, students should be involved throughout the entire IEP process.

Ask students to reflect on their own strengths and needs, and encourage them to keep track of their own progress. Take their input on when and how services should be offered. And let them take a leading role in their own IEP meetings, where they can tell the group what they want from their own education.

For example, students can use tools like to stay organized and learn how to participate during their own IEP meetings.

Letting students lead their own meetings encourages self-advocacy and boosts confidence. Plus, it helps you put together an IEP that will yield positive results!

Note: if students can’t participate (or if it’s decided it’s not appropriate), have parents and teachers consult with them beforehand to encourage indirect involvement.

4. Keep parents in the loop

IEP meetings are often emotional and stressful for parents, so keeping them comfortable and informed is key to running a harmonious meeting.

Communicate with parents from the very beginning, so they are aware and ready to begin the IEP process.

Before the first meeting, work with parents to schedule a good time and location. Make sure they have important documentation going in, including a copy of the IEP draft to look over beforehand.

Don’t forget to inform parents of their legal rights, and remind them they can invite other relevant parties to join the meeting as well.

5. Collaborate with other team members

Although you’ll be acting as a leader, contributions from the entire team are what make an IEP meeting truly successful.

Prioritize collaboration when drafting the plan, running the meeting, and implementing the IEP. Encourage transparency and two-way communication so everyone understands each team member’s role.

You’re also responsible for making sure every person fully understands their role and the importance of following the IEP accurately. This might involve providing extra training on the IEP process to those who need it.

Children who qualify for IEPs often work with a number of specialists to target specific areas. These people will likely be completing and interpreting initial evaluations of the student. This might include:

It’s important that you welcome each of these professionals’ contributions, as they can provide targeted insights and make sure the student receives adequate support.

6. Ask about your language

When describing disabilities, lots of people choose to use people-first language . However, in many other cases, identity-first language is preferred. Other individuals might have their own preferences, separate from these.

As Career Counselor, Teacher and Blogger Meriah Nichols explains:

“You can never make hard and fast rules about what anyone should call themselves. The point here is that a lot of things have happened in the Disability community since People First language came out, and things have changed. Some of us still want to use People First. Some of us want Identity First. But NONE of us want to be told what we want by someone without a disability!”

As you prepare for your IEP meeting, ask the student (or their parents) how they want their disability described, and use this language going forward.

7. Make use of technology

Technology has helped schools make huge strides in the IEP world. It’s been particularly helpful in tracking goals and differentiating content. It’s also a great way to create a multimodal learning environment and teach students useful digital skills.

There are plenty of online IEP tools, like Embrace Education , to make the process more accessible and less tedious. Data tracking on tablets was also found to improve teaching instruction and student learning.

Prodigy is a no-cost, curriculum-aligned digital math program that effectively engages 50 million 1st to 8th grade students around the world!

Teachers use Prodigy for students with IEPs to:

• Frequently track student progress in targeted math skills
• Make data-informed decisions about student strengths and goals
• Scaffold learning and use as an
• Differentiate math content for specific students
• Create assignments for extra practice in certain areas

“I use prodigy to help me understand where my students are needing the most help. I also use it in their IEP files as progress samples. This is a really great program and I wish I had it when I was in school!”

-Diana, K-8th grade Special Education Teacher

“I have incorporated the data from Prodigy reports in order to write more individualized IEP goals and to provide data to parents on their student’s current math level.”

-Meghan Kirk, 2nd-6th grade Special Education Math Resource Teacher

Want to see how many Prodigy users are in your building? Fill out the form below! 👇

8. Create an emergency response plan

Make sure the IEP covers every possible avenue by including an emergency response plan , specific to the individual student.

Students with things like food allergies, extreme behaviors, or health crises need a plan in place, so every participant knows how to prevent emergencies, and how to promptly respond to those that do occur.

Include your emergency response plan in the IEP draft, then welcome suggestions for improvement during the meeting.

A reliable emergency response plan will give students, parents and teachers confidence in the child’s safety and the safety of others.

9. Be proactive

Try to stay one step ahead before, during, and after the meeting.

Schedule all future IEP meetings ahead of time and make sure everyone can attend. You should also schedule regular meetings for those who work directly with the student, to assess progress and revise plans accordingly. Make this schedule easily available to everyone involved.

It’s also a good idea to create a tracking plan. This helps teachers and support staff implement the IEP and constantly track it.

Downloadable package — IEP meeting tips and checklists

Planning your IEP meeting? We’ve got some extra printable resources for your desk, including: a simplified list of ways to lead a successful IEP meeting, a checklist for writing an IEP draft, and a self-evaluation form for students!

Fill out the form below to download and print them now!

Final thoughts: IEPs

Although there’s much more to the entire IEP process, the first step to helping each child achieve their goals is to lead a successful meeting that:

• Emphasizes the student’s strengths
• Promotes collaboration
• Carefully considers every detail

Use this guide to plan an IEP meeting that will empower your students and give them the education they deserve!

Want an effective digital tool to support your IEP students ? Try Prodigy — the zero-cost, curriculum-aligned math platform used by more than 1.5 million teachers and school leaders.