IEP Meeting Reflection

When I first learned that I would be observing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting, I had several ideas on how it would actually go since I have never observed a meeting on a student. I had pictured in my mind that the meeting would be in a quiet room with a really long table and it would be two groups, the parents and the student and the other group would be the teachers, negotiating a contract. I also had pictured in my mind that the meeting would be very confrontational with one side deciding on something and the other side arguing that this decision was not sufficient enough. Little did I know this IEP meeting I would be observing would turn out completely different than what I pictured in my mind. The IEP meeting I observed took place right after school in the classroom after all the students had left. This was the best time for the mother and stepfather to meet to have this meeting. I usually leave before
They finally started to speak about Bob’s strengths, the general education teacher mentioned that Bob has many good skills that she has noticed so far this school year. She said that these skills will benefit him to succeed. His ability to understand direction clearly that is presented verbally and visually are very strong. The general education teacher also told the parents that he can communicate his needs to any of the students or to the teacher herself. The special education teacher agreed on that as well, and said that this was a very big improvement because last year he had trouble communicating his needs to others. That was one of his goals from last year that he needed to reach and he has reached that goal in communicating better with others. Bob’s mother said she was going to mention that as well that he is now communicating a lot better at home as well. So from what I had understood is that he has greatly