If your school district is like most, spring is the time for individualized education program (IEP) meetings in preparation for the next year.

If you're the special educator responsible for developing IEPs, coordinating these meetings will help you guide the initial placement or changes to a student's program. If you're a regular educator working with the student, these meetings will enrich your understanding of the child and the plan for his or her growth.

4-6 weeks before

2 weeks before

During the meeting

After the meeting

This kind of thoughtful methodical communication is essential to IEP planning. Preparation not only will make it easier for you to lead discussions about the progress of children with special needs, but it actually will help them move confidently and successfully from grade to grade.

Download this section: Preparing for special education meetings, from American Teacher, March 2008 (pdf)