Taping MDT/IEP meetings

Plenty of folks tape meetings.

They say, “Is easier for me to concentrate on what everyone else is saying if I’m not taking notes, too.”

Or, “I’m having trouble with my memory lately. I think I’m starting to go through The Change. Mind if I tape this?”

“Would it be okay if I taped this meeting? Once I leave the room it all seems like a blur and I can’t remember what all was said.”

Point is, don’t make it a hostile move.

Yes, it can be seen as a hostile move…like you are trying to trap them. I definitely would be thinking over every word that comes out of my mouth if someone was taping a meeting. So it will likely effect how much is said. However, I agree with the previous poster that if you need to do it, present it like they said…”I’m probably LD, too, and just can’t listen and take notes at the same time!”.

Janis

It’s OK to tape a meeting, but it’s only fair that both parties have ample time to be prepared—having a working taperecorder and tape available.
It’s been my experience that parents come with their advocate and/or attorney and bring out the tape recorder, while the school has had no time to prepare. This is grossly unfair. I’ve never been to a meeting where the school has initiated the taping (not that it hasn’t happened sometime, somewhere).

Marilyn

Thanks for your replies and suggestions.

If I do decide to tape the meeting, I will definitely give them at least one or two day’s notice. I’ve never been the one that was hostile, more like nieve and nice.

My husband may not be able to attend the meeting, so it would be good for him to listen to since I certainly won’t be able to remember everything (I’m horrible at taking notes).

Check with your school district and determine what their policy is on recording meetings. If recording is allowed provide the local school advanced notice.

IDEA does not allow nor prevent recording meetings.

You don’t have to be really hostile — but wanting to tape a meeting can be perceived as a hostile move, regardless. You want to make sure they understand you’re doing it for positive reasons…

I have taped meetings. It didn’t seem to have any affect one way or another. But the school is also going to want to tape them. To prevent it being perceived as hostile, I would just make a friendly phone call a few days ahead of time. Give your contact some nice excuse why you want to tape the meeting.

Beth

[quote=”Sue”]You don’t have to be really hostile — but wanting to tape a meeting can be perceived as a hostile move, regardless. You want to make sure they understand you’re doing it for positive reasons…[/quote]

Yea, I know and am very hesitant to bring it. My husband found out today that he will be able to attend, so I’m leaning against bringing it. The last thing I need is to be percieved as hostile. I just want to be sure my daughter gets that darn IEP and is set for middle school next year.

BTW, I checked out your website and it’s awesome! When I have more time, I’m definitely going to look around more and show my daughter some of those math sites. We’re still trying to get her up to speed in math.

Thanks for everyone’s suggestions and input on this subject. I appreciate it!

Maureen

Frankly, you are better off with your husband there than the tape recorder running, although I sometimes had to cut mine off!! He was too agreeable and after several years I understood better what I could get than he could.

Beth

I’d recommend against being afraid to seem hostile. Being cool, calm — BUT ASSERTIVE — is sometimes completely necessary in order to get ANY services or accommodations. Schools have their routines, and when a student doesn’t fit the routine, the first response is to ignore that — and if it just means the student is a warm uneducated body but it doesn’t disrupt the routine, unfortunately when teachers & admins may already be in “survival mode,” that’s perfectly fine. (I’m afraid I’ve been on the teaching end of that syndrome.)