This article describes an innovative planning process that is centered on the person--the student--and that incorporates up-to-date technologies. It's called Making Action Plans (MAPS).
For the past 30 years special educators have included parents as collaborative partners in their children's education. For a multitude of reasons, however, parents have not been as active in this partnership as is optimal. Nevertheless, models of collaboration and partnerships have emerged to promote active parent participation in the IEP planning process. Person-centered planning is one model used by many educators. Recently, researchers have developed additional strategies for person-centered planning that are sensitive to diversity and that promote communication among all team members, especially family members. This article highlights three types of person-centered planning strategies: (a) premeeting planning, (b) meeting agendas and strategies, and (c) follow-up activities. (p.32)
"MAPS is a planning process in which educators, parents, the student, peers, and others who know the student well meet and share information about the student, such as the student's history, likes, dislikes, strengths, needs, dreams, fears, ideal school day, and future goals. The outcome of the meeting is a comprehensive picture of the student and an action plan. The action plan suggests goals and objectives that can be used in developing the IEP, as well as assigning who will be responsible for each area that was identified and when the team responsible should begin working on their assigned task."