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NOTE: An ARD/IEP Planning Conference is NOT a requirement of schools within the law. It is considered a “best practice” and is proven to benefit the productivity of ARD/IEP committees. Parents are encouraged to be creative and utilize their communication and relationship-building skills to make Planning Conferences happen for their committees.
What happens?
- Family and school personnel meet informally to share and clarify information pertinent to the education process.
- The purpose of the ARD/IEP planning meeting is to introduce information and allow families time to reflect upon and understand all information before making critical decisions.
- Evaluation information is shared.
- Present levels and needs may be shared.
- Possible IEP goals or objectives may be outlined.
- Placement options are reviewed.
- Parents and school personnel can engage in a greater depth of conversation and exploration of options than the typical ARD/IEP meeting affords.
- All information and options discussed at the ARD/IEP planning meeting must be re-examined at the formal ARD/IEP meeting.
Who is involved?
- The family and the student (when appropriate)
- Classroom teachers
- Related service personnel, if providing services to the student
What is the timeline?
It is recommended that the ARD/IEP planning meeting take place within two weeks of the scheduled IEP meeting.
Resources:
Legal Framework for the Child Centered Process – Parent Participation
Creating Effective Family/School Partnerships (pdf)