As the school year comes to a screeching halt within the next month, there are many opportunities for parents and the IEP team to make best use of the weeks ahead. Specifically, since many of the state and district tests are behind us, and we all can focus on ending the school year on a high note, the last few weeks of school provide an extraordinary opportunity for the team to consider new strategies and creative innovations worth employing. Also, with the closing of another school year, it’s time for the team to meet and review the IEP, 504 Plan, and the accommodations implemented and ask the following questions for amendment:
a. What worked? How do we know this?
b. What didn’t and how was this demonstrated?
c. What should the team be looking at for next year in light of accommodations or specially designed instruction?
d. And if it’s not too late: Would Extended School Year (ESY) be a summer consideration when regression is apparent during break?
As you probably figured out a long time ago, there is no rest for the weary!