IEP Teams Encouraged to Use New Agenda Tool for IEP Meetings

While IEP teams are not required to use agendas for IEP meetings, there are many reasons why using a shared agenda would be useful, including:

• Helping the facilitator prepare for the meeting
• Ensuring all required topics are covered
• Encouraging attendee participation
• Helping with the flow of conversation to keep meetings efficient and timely

To that end, a new IEP meeting agenda tool has been created that follows the flow of the Iowa IEP and addresses the required components of an IEP.

Two different agenda samples are being provided.

Agenda 1: Is a customized agenda for the IEP meeting facilitator. The facilitator’s agenda includes specific discussion points such as setting the meeting purpose given the type of meeting occurring and actions to occur at the conclusion of the meeting.

Agenda 2: Is a team agenda for use by all members. It is important the facilitator consider the priorities of the team and age of the student when setting the order of agenda items.

While the use of an agenda at IEP meetings is encouraged, we want to remind you that this tool is optional for use. If you have any questions, contact Sara Mercer, Heartland AEA Special Education Supervisor.