What do you say to parents during an IEP meeting?

During an IEP meeting, you should speak clearly, avoid jargon, focus on the child's strengths and needs with data, and collaborate with parents by asking how to work together to achieve goals, ensuring a positive and understandable discussion about the student's progress and supports. Start by making parents feel welcome, introducing everyone, and using plain language to discuss progress, challenges, and the specific strategies/services in the plan.

What to say in an IEP meeting as a parent?

Know your child. Prepare a sample parent vision statement that describes your child. Provide a list of her strengths, challenges, preferences, learning styles, and what she needs to succeed across curricula and environments. Offer samples of her work and recent evaluations done outside of school.

What not to say during an IEP meeting?

At an IEP meeting, you should avoid absolute statements ("never," "all/none"), dismissive phrases ("we don't do that here," "let's move on"), budget-based excuses ("we can't afford it"), jargon, and comparisons to other students, focusing instead on the individual child's needs, strengths, and progress using collaborative, positive language.
 

What is a good message for parents from teachers?

Some teachers like to make their thank-you messages a bit more visual or fun—especially for messaging platforms. “Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our classroom journey!” “Because of your support, your child is blooming beautifully this year. Thank you!”

What questions should a parent ask during an IEP meeting?

At every IEP meeting there are a handful of questions that should be asked:

• Why has this approach and program been chosen for my child?
• What needs will the program address?
• Who will be delivering the services and supports? How often? When? Where? ...
• How and how often will the program be evaluated to determine progress?

3 Important Questions to Ask at an IEP Meeting

Do parents cry at IEP meetings?

Crying in IEP meetings is OK!

“It's not just a meeting. It's a part of your life and your child's life. Anything decided in that meeting affects your child, and of course we all get emotional when our children succeed. Sadly, they don't always succeed right away and that's emotional as well.

What to bring to an IEP meeting as a parent?

An IEP goal progress tracker, progress reports, and report cards. Work samples that illustrate progress or concerns. Notes about strategies that do or don't seem to be working at home. Proposed accommodations and suggested SMART goals.

What do teachers really want to say to parents?

Things Teachers Want to Tell Parents

• Be respectful. Everyone needs to be respectful. ...
• Show good manners. ...
• Work hard. ...
• Accept others and display tolerance. ...
• Tell the truth. ...
• Take advantage of opportunities. ...
• Take responsibility for choices. ...
• Talk to the teacher about important issues.

What is the best message for parents?

Parents

• Thank you for your unconditional love and endless support, [Mom/Dad]—I wouldn't be who I am without you.
• I'm so grateful for all the sacrifices you've made to give me a better life.
• Your wisdom and guidance have been the foundation of my success and happiness.

What do parents want to hear from teachers?

They want to know who we are, how we will support their child, and what we will do to ensure their success. They also seek assurance that we value them and want their involvement. Of course, they also want to hear that we are committed to and enthusiastic about our work.

What is the 7 7 7 rule in parenting?

The 7-7-7 rule of parenting has two main interpretations: one focuses on 21 minutes of daily, distraction-free connection (7 mins morning, 7 mins after school/work, 7 mins bedtime) to build bonds, while the other suggests three developmental phases: play (0-7 years), teach (7-14 years), and guide (14-21 years) to adjust involvement as children grow. Both aim to foster strong relationships, emotional security, and capable adults through intentional, age-appropriate interaction, moving beyond just screen time and reactive parenting. 

What not to say to special needs parents?

He looks normal OR my son does that too. " I don't know how you do it. I couldn't do it myself." or "It breaks my heart to say this, but I don't think I could help you take care of your child if you needed me." My (person they know) has a special needs child and I know exactly what you are dealing with!

What is the 40 20 40 rule for meetings?

The 40-20-40 meeting rule is a productivity guideline suggesting you dedicate 40% of your meeting-related effort to preparation, 20% to the actual meeting, and the final 40% to follow-up to ensure actions are completed, making meetings more effective by emphasizing pre-work and post-meeting accountability over the meeting itself. This structure, detailed in How to Fix Meetings, transforms meetings from simple discussions into structured processes with clear objectives and outcomes. 

What to tell parents during a parents meeting?

Discuss progress and growth.

Inform parents about their child's ability levels or grade levels in different content areas, using demonstrative work examples or testing results.

What is the 70 30 rule in teaching?

The 70/30 rule in teaching is a guideline that shifts focus from teacher-led instruction to student-centered, active learning, suggesting students should be actively practicing/talking for 70% of class time, while teachers provide direct instruction for 30%. It also applies to lesson planning (70% activities, 30% content) and language learning (understanding 70% of content, focusing on improving the remaining 30%). This approach promotes deeper engagement, critical thinking, and skill application, moving beyond passive memorization. 

What should you not say at an IEP meeting?

At an IEP meeting, you should avoid absolute statements ("never," "all/none"), dismissive phrases ("we don't do that here," "let's move on"), budget-based excuses ("we can't afford it"), jargon, and comparisons to other students, focusing instead on the individual child's needs, strengths, and progress using collaborative, positive language.
 

What are 5 short positive quotes?

Here are 5 short, positive quotes to brighten your day, focusing on action, mindset, and hope: "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain!" (Dolly Parton). "Opportunities don't happen, you create them." (Chris Grosser). "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." (Theodore Roosevelt). "Shine like the whole universe is yours." (Rumi). "You never fail until you stop trying." (Albert Einstein). 

How to make parents feel appreciated?

Here are some meaningful ways to show your parents how much they mean to you and make your bond even stronger.

1. Write a Thoughtful Thank You Message for Parents. ...
2. Spend Quality Time Together. ...
3. Celebrate Their Legacy. ...
4. Support Their Well-Being & Happiness. ...
5. Say “Thank You” Every Day.

What are some words of encouragement for parents?

Words of Encouragement for Parents

• You're a great mom/dad.
• I hope you have a wonderful day.
• Your children are beautiful / kind / intelligent.
• You're doing a good job balancing everything.
• Your children are so fortunate to have you.

What is a short appreciation message for parents?

For a short thank you message to your parents, try "Thank you for your endless love and support; I wouldn't be who I am without you," or "I'm so grateful for everything you've done and for always being my biggest cheerleaders". You can also say, "Your guidance and sacrifices have shaped my life, thank you for everything".
 

What is the 80/20 rule of teacher talking time?

The 80/20 Rule for Teacher Talking Time (TTT) suggests teachers should aim for 80% student talk (STT) and only 20% teacher talk, shifting from being the main information source to a facilitator of student communication and discovery, ultimately boosting engagement and learning by giving students more opportunity to practice and apply concepts. While it's hard to achieve perfectly, especially with beginners, the goal is to minimize teacher monologue and maximize meaningful student dialogue and activity. 

What teachers wish parents knew?

46 Things I Wish Parents Knew

• 1 – I'm glad to teach your child. I love to teach. ...
• 2 – I don't know everything. ...
• 4 – Kids can exaggerate. ...
• 5 – Kids can lie – even yours. ...
• 6 – I make mistakes. ...
• 7 – We all have bad days. ...
• 8 – We may be allies, but you're the parent. ...
• 9 – Children are made by their habits.

What to say at an IEP meeting?

10 defusing phrases to use at IEP meetings

• “I may be misunderstanding.” ...
• “I can show you.” ...
• “How can we work together to make this happen?” ...
• “May I see a copy of the written policy?” ...
• “Let's ask him to join us.” ...
• “I understand.” ...
• “I've noticed…” ...
• “How does that look in the classroom?”

What are the three most important parts of an IEP?

This requires knowing the three essential parts of an IEP goal: the current level of performance, specific and measurable milestones, and services to support attaining the goal.

How to have a successful IEP meeting?

Share your student's strengths, learning style, and your and their hopes and dreams for their future so that they understand your child as a unique person. Ask questions if something is unclear and give input on goals and services. Make sure goals are specific, measurable, and realistic.