Some backgroung: My eldest child started middle school this year. The year did not go well. Also, I have learned a lot more about his disability and how to write IEPs in the last year. The assistant principal knows I want to completely rewrite the IEP this time. So, I was rather surprised when the IEP meeting was scheduled for half an hour. I left a message stating that I felt we needed more time, could the meeting be extended another 1/2 hour? The return message was no, people had another IEP meeting immediately after ours and therefore it could not be extended but would be rescheduled. Fair enough. But when I got the paperwork I saw it had been rescheduled to another day, but still for 1/2 hour.
Is an hour long IEP meeting way out of line?
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Re: How long does IEP meetings take?
Our meetings at the middle school were scheduled open ended. That is, they started right after school got out, and they only scheduled one per day, so they could take as long as needed. Generally, the principal or vice-principal only stayed for a short time, and the assorted teachers came in at the beginning, but we had the special ed teacher and counseler for as long as needed. 30 minutes is not enough if there are any issues.
Our meeting in elementary school were scheduled in the morning, and often only for 45 minutes (they’d try to get two in before classes started). However, if we needed more time, we just rescheduled to continue on another day.
Good luck,
Kay
Re: How long does IEP meetings take?
Usually I get an hour but I ask for a draft of what they propose and the results from testing so I can go over it and make intelligent choices.This year I got 3 -1 hour meetings (more than I wanted) but I am using it as I did not get the testing or drafts that I requested before I went to the IEP meeting.Second meeting I am taking in my child’s tutor because I am disagreeing with the level they have her at.The last meeting I am taking my husband (there is no way he could make it to so many meetings) and he will be my force as I feel I might buckle and agree to what they want instead of what my child needs. Get all your info from the school before the meeting and don’t sign the IEP then till you’ve gone over it.
Re: How long does IEP meetings take?
The first meeting I attended was scheduled for an hour (we ended up taking 3). After that, we have always had a block of time available, and neither the ones I attended for my son, nor the ones I have attended as a friendly face has failed to take less than 2 hours, with 3 being very typical.
Just a reminded, seriously consider taping this and all meetings with the schools. File a blanket notice to intent with the district office and use these tapes to review what was said by whom. If you would like greater detail for my strategy of taping, just ask.
it was short because it was initially a transition meeting
Transitional IEP meetings are done for all kids changing from one school setting to another, (e.g., elem to middle school, middle school to high school). Transitional IEP meetings are done like a cattle call over several days with meetings scheduled back to back every 30 minutes. If more time is needed to talk about particulars then they will set up another meeting. I recently attended a transitional IEP meeting for my daughter who is moving from middle to high school and it was 30 minutes on the spot…I had to talk really fast to cover all the concerns I had regarding placement and her extended school year.
Re: it was short because it was initially a transition meeti
First off let me start by saying,scheduling an absurdly amount of time for an IEP( 30 minutes) is a strategy of the school,to keep a parent from straying into things they( the school) do not want to discuss,or to keep the parent feeling hurried,intimidated,and harrassed. Frankly how do you feel?
Your strategy needs to be,I will take as MUCH time as I need to voice my concerns,bring up points,and ask questions. It is my right as a parent. Be ready to convene the meeting and schedule another one.How ever many 30 minute meeting they want to have in order for you to feel comfortable is how many they are obligated to provide to you.
My last personal IEP,was 9 hours long. 3 three hour meetings.
I went to an IEP yesterday that was three hours long and we didn’t even get close to discussing the IEP. Went over the eval reports and wound up requesting an IEE. BUT before that, a key person who was on the meeting notice was not present and the parents were ready to cancel without them there. When they realized they would have to come back they found a way to get the person there. Amazing what can be done when everyone realizes the other is serious.
WOW! Thanks for all the help!
Great advise, everyone. Now I know it isn’t just me. Even “normal” IEPs can take an hour!
Dad—I’d love to hear your tips on tapeing and sending notice of plan to tape. I’ve never done that before.
Socks—Thank you for letting me know we can do a continuation. You’re right! Maybe I need a few (or more) 30 minute meetings!
Auditory Mom—Getting the proposed IEP in advance is a great idea. I’ll know the starting point before we even walk in the door.
Again, thanks to all.
Barb
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Way to go, Socks, sounds like my recent IEP meeting
Fist they gave me thirty min. at 8:00 a.m. (school starts at 8:30) I went by and said my husband and I had some problems and that they had been plan “ample time” for discussion of these issues. They moved the IEP to 2:00. Additionally, the day before the IEP meeting they told me the OT wouldn’t be there b/c she had a conflict. So, being the meek and mild mother that I am, I hand delivered a letter the next a.m. cancelling the meeting and requesting a new time b/c Jami’s organizational skills were of upmost important and the OT’s attendance was imperative as this was Jami’s last year of elementary b4 heading into MS, blah, blah, blah. Lo and behold! They called me that day and told me the OT had been able to rearrange her “conflict” and she would be there. The meeting last 1 hr. 40 minutes and I got everything I wanted. THere’s nothing like a momma lion and her cub.
Hey Way to go Leah:-)
Glad to know what happened :-) Good for you. It isn’t the momma lion and cub,it’s knowing the game and how to play it.
Re: How long does IEP meetings take?
IEP meeting. I suggest you advise the case worker you want to revise the IEP. Sit down with her and tell her what you want or write it yourself. Spend as much time as needed with her on the phone or in meetings. Hopefully, she will guide you in getting what you think is best for your child.
Ask for the moon, fight for the stars! When you’re satisfied, schedule the IEP meeting. It should take less than 10 minutes for all the signatures. Hope this helps.
Maureen
Re: How long does IEP meetings take?
I sometimes take an “old” IEP, white it out and fill it out with everything I want. Then I bring my own “draft” - just like they do. NOW they have several meetings with me BEFORE the formal IEP meeting - and the formal one still lastd 1 hr. 40 minutes.
Both of my daughters have IEPs and their meetings are always scheduled for an hour, and we usually use the full hour. It is very reasonable for you to request a longer amount of time.
Kim