Marybeth+Fafalla-+Wiki

=**A Parent & Student Guide to Navigating through the IEP Process, Creating Student-Centered Transition Goals, and Increasing Student Involvement in IEP Development**=

Marybeth Fafalla

Navigating through the world of special education can be a daunting process for students and families. This process can become even more complicated when planning for life after high school. Research has concluded that many times parents feel lost, misunderstood, and confused during the IEP process (CADRE, 2010). It is recommended that in order to alleviate some of these ill feelings, parents become educated about the system, arrive to the meeting prepared (CADRE, 2010; Fish, 2008), and participate in student centered IEP meetings (Children & Chambers, 2005). In a 2008 study conducted by Fish, parents reported a more general sense of equality and comfort at IEP meetings when they had a better sense of the IEP process and special education law. This wiki aims at helping families and students prepare to attend Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings. You will find information on the Individual Education Plan (IEP), the history and federal laws involved with the IEP, the planning and placement team process, how to create meaningful transition goals and objectives, and information about how to involve the student in developing an IEP to the greatest extent possible.
 * Introduction:**

In response to unfair treatment of many individuals with disabilities in schools and landmark lawsuits that held schools responsible for providing an appropriate education to all students, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (Pub. L. No. 94-142) was introduced to the United States Senate. Through the input of teachers, parents and advocates, the law was passed in order to
 * History:**

//assure that all handicapped children have available to them... a free and appropriate education which emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs, to assure that the rights of handicapped children and their parents or guardians are protected, to assist States and localities to provide for the education of all handicapped children, and to assess and assure the effectiveness of efforts to educate handicapped children (Pub. L. No. 94-142, 601) (Jacobs & Decker, 2007).// The Education for All Handicapped Children Act was amended in 1990 and again in 1994, and was renamed the more familiar Individuals with Disabilities Education Act(IDEA). This federal regulation dictates that any educational agency that receives federal funds must provide a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment to students with disabilities. One central aspect of this legislation and a way to ensure that a student's education is appropriate and comprehensive is to develop an Individualized Education Plan. This document is developed within a team of individuals known in Connecticut as the Planning and Placement Team.

For more information about the history of IDEA, please refer to this brochure created by the U. S. Office of Special Education Programs.

References