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Text Box: being set up for failure.  What is urgent or most important in the coming year that needs to be addressed on the IEP?   4. Think Win-Win “”Win-win is a frame of mind that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions.  Win-Win means that agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying.” Consensus building is a key element of effective, collaborative IEP meetings.  Reaching consensus indicates that power and control has been shared.  Demanding parents or dictating  educators do not contribute to win-win solutions.  IEP goals and objectives which are too general and not designed for progress lead to a lose-lose situation.  How many times have you worked with a student who has the same goals and objectives year after year?  Both the student and the teacher are frustrated . 2.     Text Box: 1.  Be Proactive “Taking initiative does not mean being pushy, obnoxious, or aggressive.  It does mean recognizing our responsibility to make things happen.” Fundamental in our efforts to become proactive members of IEP teams is adopting an attitude that is collaborative, facilitative, and responsible.  To be proactive requires a shift in our thinking from a deficit based model of education to a capacity model.  Often, goals for IEPs are developed as a result of a label, or something that appears to be ‘wrong’ reacting to a behavior that others do not think is acceptable.  Proactive goals and objectives are based on the premise that the entire team is responsible for making things happen.  “John will use a transition object such as a computer disc when it is time to go to computer class.”  The team realizes if John knows in advance it will soon be computer time, and can carry something with him to remind him where he is going, he will be less likely to exhibit challenging behaviors when asked to go to computer class.       Text Box: 2.  Begin With the End in Mind “( This habit)...is based on imagination-the ability to envision, to see the potential, to create with our minds what we cannot at present see with our eyes…” Before developing an IEP, learn about the student.  Be able to envision the future, the possibilities.  What are his or her dreams?  Nightmares?  What are the learner’s strengths and needs?  Where does he or she want to live after school ?   What kind of job would be fulfilling?  It has been too easy in the past to look at the small picture instead of determining what the end of the journey will look like.  Once that picture is clear, it makes sense to decide what must be taught in order to get there.   3. Put First Things First               “Create a clear, mutual understanding of what needs to be accomplished, focusing on what, not how; results not methods.  Spend time. Be patient. Visualize the desired result.” Prioritize!  It is impossible for anyone, in one year’s time, to work on everything they would like to learn.  Having nine, ten, or more goals and dozens of objectives on an IEP is akin to

Text Box: 7 Habits of Highly Effective IEP Teams · By Eileen Hammer and Anne Malatchi Text Box: Center on Disabilities and Human Development

Text Box: September 24, 2003 Text Box: Volume 1, Issue 4

Text Box: Making Connections

Text Box: Idaho Family Support Enhancement Project     Dedicated to providing  supportive information to all families

 

 

7 Habits (Cont.)

 

 

IEP Teams-Cont

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Preventing Medical Errors

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Web Focus

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Sibkids and Sibnet

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Financial Guide

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