The facilitator models effective communication and listening, and works with the IEP Team to identify points on which they agree and disagree. In addition, IEP Team meeting facilitation can:  
 

build and improve relationships among IEP team members, especially when they are having difficulty working well together;
 

encourage parents and professionals to consider new options to address unresolved problems;
 
help resolve disagreements more quickly than other dispute resolution options; and
 

keep decision-making with team members who know the student best.

The Facilitator…
 
Works with the IEP Team to create an agenda, desired outcomes, and group norms for the meeting.
 

Guides discussion by asking student-focused questions, such as:
How is the student doing?
What changes, if any, should be made to the student’s goals?
In what ways can we help him or her to reach his/her goals and/or objectives?


 

Keeps team members on task and the meeting within the scheduled time.
 

Asks questions to clarify points of disagreement and helps identify workable solutions.
 

Does not take sides, impose decisions on the Team, place blame, or determine whether decisions are right or wrong.

The parent or the school district may initiate the request for a Facilitated IEP Team meeting

Access the FIEP Team meeting request form from your school district’s website (Bartow, Fulton, Greene, or Union)

Complete and submit the FIEP Team meeting request form to the special education director in your district

Since both parties must agree, a parent and the special education director’s signature must be on the FIEP Team meeting request form prior to submission to the GaDOE

The district will submit the signed FIEP Team meeting request form and a copy of a fully executed IEP Team meeting notice to the GaDOE

You will be notified of the GaDOE’s approval or denial of the request

If approved, you will be contacted by your assigned facilitator

Prepare a written list of issues you want to discuss and questions you want to ask.

Think about what is most important to you for your child’s IEP and make a note of these items.

Ask yourself three important questions:
1. Where is my son or daughter now in his or her educational progress?
2. Where do I want my son or daughter to be a year from now and how can those expectations be measured?
3. In what ways can the IEP Team help him or her to meet those expectations?

Organize your documents. Record dates and notes on them. You may want to make copies of some of the information to share with the Team.

Be willing to listen and carefully consider ideas that others may suggest.

Arrive a little before the IEP Team meeting, so you have time to get ready to participate.

Call your parent training and information center or community parent resource center. A staff member can answer your questions and help you prepare for the meeting. In some cases, a parent center staff member may attend the IEP Team meeting with you.

Attend a workshop or training conducted by a parent center to learn about your role and responsibilities as a member of the IEP Team.