16. "We don't need to write that suggestion down in the IEP, we'll do the best we can."

Problem:

There might be some good discussion going on in your child's IEP meeting, but unless these discussions actually get written down in the IEP, the services will not be required by law to be implemented. You should assume that if a service or goal has not been put in writing, it's NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, even if intentions are good. Sometimes it is difficult to write subtle or complex aspects of services, but if the team has agreed that it should happen, it should be documented. Be sure it includes who and by when the service will be delivered.

Reponses:

"If we feel as a team that this service/goal needs to be included in Christie's IEP, let's go ahead and write it in, and then we can be assured that we won't forget to implement this goal"

"I think it will be helpful to go ahead and write this goal in Doug's IEP, and that way we can sure to write short term objectives and benchmarks to ensure that we are moving towards the goal."

Read the law that supports your responses:

The Law:

Section 300.347(a)(2)(i) The IEP for each child with a disability must include a statement of measurable annual goals, including benchmarks or short-term objectives related to meeting the child's needs that result from the child's disability to enable the child to be involved in and progress in the general curriculum.

Section 300.340(a) Individualized education program. The term individualized education program or IEP means a written statement for a child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in a meeting in accordance with secs. 300.341 - 300.350

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