Last updated on Jul 23, 2024

Your student’s IEP isn't being followed by staff. How can you ensure their needs are met effectively?

When you discover that your student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) isn't being adhered to, it's crucial to act promptly to safeguard their educational rights. An IEP is a legally binding document outlining the specialized instruction, supports, and services a student with a disability requires to succeed in school. Ensuring that an IEP is followed is a collaborative effort, and there are steps you can take to address non-compliance and reinforce the importance of meeting your student's unique needs.

1 Understand IEP

To effectively advocate for your student, you must thoroughly understand their IEP. This document is tailored to the student's specific learning needs and includes goals, accommodations, and services they are entitled to receive. By being well-versed in the details, you can pinpoint exactly where the implementation is falling short. This knowledge empowers you to articulate concerns clearly and seek precise solutions, making it the first step towards ensuring your student receives the appropriate support.

Add your perspective

Osaze Shabazz

Behavior Consultant, Mentor, Paraprofessional
Report contribution
It is up to you as a parent to become active and present in your child's education. It is the same concept and mentality that you have in regard to your career at your job. Because at your job the mentality that you have is that you will do whatever it takes to ensure that everything is in place for you to be successful and you will ensure that everything is in place to make sure that nothing will keep you from your accomplishments and success. This is the same concept that you should utilize when it comes to your children.

Like
Branko Ljutitch

Full Professor | Finance | Accounting | Auditing | Agribusiness Management | ESG | Assurance | Consultancy
Report contribution
If the staff of the college/school does not support the students ans buyers of our educational services, the Dean should without any hesitation handle and solve that problem, eihter by reorganizing the admin. department or outsourcing that service, as the admin. staff is not doing what they are paid off. I the admin. department or organizationa unit is havign a head, he should be repriminded and his salary scaled down until he/she solves the problem overnigth, if there are no needed results than a new head should be appointed or hired....

Like
Kelly A.

Two time published author, public speaker, & empowering expert supporting educators creating transformational learning environments. Dynamic author sharing a writing passion with students.
Report contribution
IEPs are mandated by the Federal government and provide step by step goals to help the student succeed in school. A conversation between the home and teacher is important to clarify any misunderstandings. Assume positivity. The teacher may be swamped with educational demands and the IEP is not at the top of his/her To-Do list. Friendly approaches to this will help the teacher realize the parent/guardian have the same end-goal in mind: support the student. Contact the teacher, ask for 1/2 hour to meet. Show up on time. Bring her favorite coffee to the meeting. Showing openness to work with the teacher goes a long way to achieving the goal. Treat the teacher with respect as he deserves it.

Like

2 Communicate Concerns

Effective communication is key when addressing IEP non-compliance. Start by arranging a meeting with the relevant staff to discuss your observations. Approach the conversation with a collaborative mindset, aiming to understand the reasons behind the oversight. It's important to remain calm and constructive, focusing on finding a resolution that prioritizes your student's educational needs. Documenting these communications can also serve as a valuable reference for future discussions.

Add your perspective

3 Review Compliance

Understanding the legal obligations of the school regarding IEP implementation is crucial. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to provide the services outlined in the IEP. If the school is not following the plan, they may be in violation of federal law. Familiarize yourself with these regulations so you can remind staff of their responsibilities and the potential consequences of non-compliance, which can include state or federal intervention.

Add your perspective

Itzel Díaz M.
Report contribution
Niños y niñas tienen derecho a la educación, y pueden beneficiarse de los servicios de educación especial. Es importante tener en cuenta que el hecho de presentar una discapacidad no garantiza automáticamente que un niño o niña recibirá estos servicios. Para determinar la elegibilidad de un estudiante, es necesario que un equipo de profesionales le evalue; así tras un diagnóstico se podran especificar los objetivos educacionales a cumplir, así como cualquier servicio de apoyo que sea necesario para que los niños puedan alcanzar esos objetivos. Es importante que éstos sean conocidos por madres, padres y docentes para que puedan hacerlas cumplir a favor del aprendizaje de niños y niñas.

Translated

Like

4 Collaborate on Solutions

Collaboration is essential when working towards a resolution. Invite all stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, and special education staff, to contribute ideas on how to better implement the IEP. This cooperative approach not only fosters a sense of shared responsibility but also encourages creative problem-solving. By involving everyone in the process, you increase the likelihood of finding sustainable solutions that will benefit your student in the long term.

Add your perspective

5 Monitor Progress

Once a plan of action is in place, it's important to monitor progress to ensure that the IEP is being followed. Schedule regular check-ins with your student and their educators to discuss any adjustments that need to be made. Keeping a close eye on the situation helps prevent future lapses and demonstrates your commitment to your student's education. Monitoring also allows for timely recognition and reinforcement of positive changes.

Add your perspective

6 Provide Training

Sometimes, non-compliance is due to a lack of understanding or training on how to effectively implement an IEP. In such cases, advocating for professional development can be a game-changer. Encourage the school to provide training sessions focused on IEP implementation and inclusive teaching strategies. Educating staff not only benefits your student but can improve the school environment for all students with special needs.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Your student’s IEP isn't being followed by staff. How can you ensure their needs are met effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand IEP

2 Communicate Concerns

3 Review Compliance

4 Collaborate on Solutions

5 Monitor Progress

6 Provide Training

7 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Teaching

More relevant reading

Your student’s IEP isn't being followed by staff. How can you ensure their needs are met effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand IEP

2 Communicate Concerns

3 Review Compliance

4 Collaborate on Solutions

5 Monitor Progress

6 Provide Training

7 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills