IEP meetings in Virginia

What the meeting is for

An IEP team meeting is where the school and the family review what is known about the student, decide what the student needs, and write it down as a plan the school has to deliver. The plan covers goals, services, supports, accommodations, and where the services happen.

Who is usually at the table

• You, the parent or guardian. You are a full team member, not a visitor.
• At least one general education teacher, if the student is or may be in general education.
• At least one special education teacher or provider.
• A district representative who can commit resources.
• Someone who can explain what the evaluation results mean.
• The student, when appropriate, and always when transition planning is discussed.
• Anyone else you or the district invite who knows the student.

What usually gets decided

• Present levels: what the student can do now, in plain terms and with data.
• Annual goals, and how progress will be measured and reported to you.
• Special education services, related services, and supports for staff.
• Accommodations, modifications, and state or district testing decisions.
• Placement, decided after the goals and services, not before.
• Behavior supports if behavior interferes with learning.

How to prepare

• Ask in writing for draft documents and any reports before the meeting.
• Write down three changes you want and what you would accept instead.
• Bring examples: work samples, a log of homework time, notes about mornings.
• Ask for agreements to be written into the document, not just discussed.
• You may bring someone with you, and you do not have to sign at the table.

If you disagree

Disagreement is normal and there are formal paths for it, including independent educational evaluations, mediation, formal complaints, and due process. Your procedural safeguards notice describes each one. See Virginia parent rights for the orientation, and read the notice itself for the specifics.

Official sources

• Virginia Department of Education: look for current special education and family pages.
• Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
• IDEA (U.S. Department of Education)
• Center for Parent Information and Resources

Related reading: national IEP meeting preparation guide, Virginia hub, and For Parents.

Not legal advice. Not medical advice.