IEP Strategies

12 IEP Questions for Special Education Teachers and Parents

IEP questions for special education parents and teachers master iep coach catherine whitcher
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It’s 6 AM. The coffee pot gurgles as you frantically shuffle papers, preparing for yet another IEP meeting. You’ve jotted down a list of questions, but there’s that familiar knot in your stomach – the one that whispers, “What if I’m missing something important?”

I’ve been there. As the founder of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship and a special education professional for over 25 years, I’ve sat through more IEP meetings than I can count. And I’ll let you in on a little secret: the right questions can transform these meetings from stress-inducing marathons into productive, student-centered sessions.

That’s why I’ve created “12 IEP Questions for Teachers and Parents” – a guide to help you navigate the often-murky waters of IEP meetings with clarity and purpose.

But first, let’s talk about why these questions matter:

  • They Uncover Hidden Information: Often, crucial details about a student’s education plan remain unspoken simply because no one thought to ask. The right questions bring these hidden gems to light.

  • They Foster True Collaboration: Thoughtful questions open up dialogue, encouraging genuine teamwork and ensuring everyone at the table is aligned.

  • They Put the Focus Where It Belongs – On the Student: By asking targeted questions, you keep the conversation centered on what truly matters: the student’s unique needs and long-term success.

  • They Build a Bridge to the Future: IEPs aren’t just about the here and now – they’re about paving the way for a student’s future. Forward-thinking questions help create an IEP that aligns with long-term goals.

  • They Create a Framework for Action: Specific questions about service delivery and progress measurement turn the IEP from a static document into a living, actionable plan.

Curious about what these questions might look like? Here’s a peek at a few from the guide:

  • What’s the full continuum of placement options available?

  • How are current service minutes being fulfilled?

  • Which curriculum is being used for each IEP goal?

  • Is there a clear parent input statement that paints a vision for the child’s future?

  • How are accommodations and modifications implemented in real classroom scenarios?

These are just the tip of the iceberg. Each question is designed to spark meaningful discussions and lead to more effective, student-centered IEPs.

This resource isn’t just for parents – it’s equally valuable for teachers who want to approach IEP meetings with renewed focus and effectiveness.

Ready to shift your IEP meeting experience from frantic to focused?

Let me send this video and guidebook right to your inbox!

Remember, effective IEP meetings don’t happen by chance – they’re the result of intentional preparation and the right mindset.

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Special needs sibling, masters in special education, certified high performance coach.

Hi, I'm Catherine.
Fixing IEPs is my thing.

It's been almost 30 years since I sat at my first IEP meeting as a new teacher (spoiler alert, I didn't stay a classroom teacher for long). But, my first taste of the IEP rollercoaster was in the front row, at my brother's IEP meeting. I knew right then, the IEP process needed help, and I was all in.

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12 IEP Questions for Parents and Teachers

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Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed