2.7: Increasing Student Involvement

It is important for students to participate actively in their IEP meetings beginning in elementary school and to be actively involved in their transition planning in high school. Student participation in IEP meetings can be improved by ensuring families know their child is invited to participate. Students may feel more empowered to participate when the IEP process is explained to them and when they are invited to take an active role in developing and implementing their IEP. Framing the conversations to build on a student’s strengths and providing a safe environment for students to practice advocating for themselves by asking questions helps make students partners in their own education.