IEP Resources

You can be your child’s best Advocate.  With knowledge is power.  

IF you are interested in learning more at your own pace, Family to Family Network has a IEP Success Online Course for you to learn about the special education process or an IEP Success Framework course with Group Coaching.

Family to Family shared some tips on the Navigate Life Texas website on being prepared for your IEP meeting:

        Developing an ARD/IEP Plan: How to prepare yourself for the meeting 

        Cómo prepararte para la reunión ARD/IEP y para que puedas participar más

Disability Rights Texas has videos on Guide to ARD Process, Advocating for your Child / Guia para Familia sobre el Processo de ARD, y Abogando por su hijo

Introduction to Inclusive Schools (Inclusive Schools Network by Stetson & Assoc.)

And here is an inspirational video by Norman Kunc on the importance of Inclusive Education:

** The IDEA manual (en espanol tambien and Vietnamese)
The IDEA Manual is a must have resource for families trying to understand the Texas special education system and is available in both English and Spanish.  The manual can be downloaded and used by anyone.

A Guide to the Admission, Review and Dismissal Process (available in 20+ different languages)
This is a resource developed by the Texas Education Agency that is updated frequently. Please note that parents should be provided with this resource at the initial ARD meeting and can be requested from your school. The Acronyms and Glossary were removed from the Guide and placed on the Texas Project FIRST website. Currently there is also a separate Addendum regarding Revocation of Consent.

Notice of Procedural Safeguards or Aviso Sobre Procedimientos de Proteccion (plus 20+ other languages)
This is another resource developed by the Texas Education Agency that is updated frequently. Schools are required to provide parents with a copy at least one time per year. Please read the section on Prior Written Notice at a minimum so that you understand what you need to do when a school refuses to provide something and/or proposes something you don’t agree with. This notice will also answer many of your questions regarding Evaluations, Independent Evaluations, Discipline, Educational records, Voluntary Private School Placement, Transfer of Rights, and Resolving Disagreements just to name a few topics addressed.

Texas Project FIRST website  (english/espanol)
This is an online resource that is developed by parents, for parents. The site is arranged by age so you can access information when it is needed. The site includes links to:

• How your child can receive special ed. services,
• IEP development,
• STAAR/EOC,
• TEKS curriculum, etc.
• Your source for Acronyms and Glossary definitions which are no longer in the TEA Guide to the ARD Process.
• Lots of links to FREE online Training available.

Progress in the General Curriculum (PGC) Network (ESC 20) at ESC 20 developed wonderful tools to help families prepare for the IEP meeting

• PLAAFP Handout (pdf)
• IEP Handout (pdf)
• IEP Annual Goal Development Q&A  / Preguntas y respuestas sobre el desarrollo del IEP
• Specially Designed Instruction
• Grading and Progress Monitoring for Students with Disabilities
• IEP Goal Development On Line Training Module
• Least Restrictive Environment Q&A

Wrights Law – Great information on a variety of issues that come up in IEP meetings:

• IEP information
• PLAAFP Checklist 
• Tests and Measurements
• SMART IEPs

Texas Education Agency  

• IEP Model Form
• Guide to the ARD process
• Standards Based IEPs Guidance

U.S. Dept. of Education

• Guide to the IEP
• Q&A on IEP FAPE Requirement & Implementation Considerations (pdf)

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Special Ed 101 (document highlighting the process) or Curso Basico De Educacion Especial

Portfolios –  En Espanol  It is important to let others know who your child is despite disability being part of his/her life. Learn how to create one here.
Stop by our office to see portfolio samples or to purchase a Portfolio Guide.

Center for Parent Information and Resources – All About the IEP

Disability Is Natural – Articles surrounding IEP strategies that may help families think differently. 

GreatSchools.org – “How to Know if Your Child is Making Progress Toward IEP Goals”

Legal Framework for the Child-Centered Special Education Process (ESC 18)

• Parent Participation
• ARD Committee Membership
• Consent to Excuse a Member from Attending the ARD Committee Meeting
• Present Levels
• Annual Goals

Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities – Partners in Education course

National Center on Secondary Education and Transition – Student Led IEPs – How to Make It Work

Region 19 ESC – Common Mistakes Parents Make During the IEP Meeting (pdf)

Texas Project FIRST – Considering AT in the IEP Process