Four Keys to Successful Collaboration on IEPs

Effective IEP teams make all the difference in helping students reach their full potential

The IEP process can be overwhelming, particularly for parents. That’s why it is vital for all IEP team members—including parents, educators, and administrators—to work together and support each other as they develop a plan for their students.

Collaborative IEP teams can make all the difference in helping students reach their full potential and prepare them for the rest of their lives. Online IEPs can also help facilitate collaboration when balancing busy schedules, hybrid instruction, and other roadblocks.

Here are four tactics used by successful collaborative IEP teams:

Each team member should strive to practice active listening. Many people listen simply to respond in a conversation. However, in IEP team meetings, it is vital to listen to understand others’ viewpoints.

Ask questions for clarification if needed and remain open to new ideas. Even if the whole team does not agree on a particular issue at the end of the meeting, compromise is more attainable when everyone feels heard and understood. Team members also should avoid interrupting each other and pay close attention to their body language.

Speaking of body language, as more IEP meetings take place online, it’s helpful to use a secure video conferencing app when possible. That way, everyone can see each other and hear them, which will help build trust and maintain engagement.

Set a meeting agenda and appoint a team member responsible for keeping the group on track so the most important items get the time and attention they require. It is important to use everyone’s time as efficiently as possible. Share the agenda ahead of time through your online document delivery system to ensure that sensitive documents remain secure.

Then, prioritize the IEP goals for the student. Not everything can or will be accomplished in one year, and developing too many plans could mean setting the team—and the student—up for failure. Instead, decide which items are most urgent and must be addressed by the IEP now.

Successfully implementing an IEP takes the work of all team members. Ideally, everyone will walk out of an IEP meeting with their own action items to assist the student. Outlining goals for each team member and a timeline for those goals to be reached can help rally each person around the central purpose of helping the student be successful.

Remember that it’s often not enough to align on goals once and move on. Consensus needs to be maintained through continued communication. For online IEPs, use your district’s secure messaging portal to check in regularly with your stakeholders, take note of progress towards goals, and provide feedback to keep everyone on track.

Take time to value fellow IEP team members and celebrate the achievements that have been made and the goals that have been reached so far. Commemorating progress with words of appreciation—or even a few snacks—helps build camaraderie among members and strengthens the team’s commitment.

Like all group efforts, the IEP process is most efficient when all stakeholders work together effectively, whether you’re meeting in person or online. Using these basic guidelines, parents, educators, and administrators can provide students with a solid foundation that supports their unique educational journey.