Current research on parental reports of their experiences during the IEP process suggests that favorable perceptions are the exception rather than the norm. In their review of 10 studies on parental views of the IEP process published since 2004, Reiman, Beck, Coppola, and Engiles (2010) found only one study reporting that the majority of parent participants indicated overall positive experiences. The remaining studies indicated that parents felt high levels of dissatisfaction during IEP meetings, with parents citing difficulty processing the information, being intimidated by educators and blamed for their children's academic and behavioral difficulties, and being relegated to roles in which their participation was limited to listening to information about their child's education, answering questions, and signing preset forms on students' goals . These findings underscore the importance of supporting educators with research-based recommendations for enlisting parents as collaborators during the IEP process. (p.50)
The article provides six illustrative case vignettes highlighting six statements ill-suited to IEP meetings; a better response is offered for each:
1. The Time Saver--may occur when goals are developed in advance of meeting; skateholders are asked to simply sign off on them.
2. The LRE Plea--may be seen in statements such as "Let's see how [student] does in a resource room before trying a more inclusive setting where she may be overwhelmed."
3. Who's in Charge?--occurs when an important IEP team member, perhaps one with decision authority, is not present for the meeting.
4. The Search Ain't Over Until It's Over--may arise when a teacher or counselor explains "I don't know what else to try with [student]; nothing has worked."
5. Pass the Buck--occurs when participants place responsibility elsewhere and give up on seeking alternative ideas.
6. The Old Standby--happens when participants demonstrate a lack of effort to provide appropriate services, instead relying on the way students with similar disabilities have always been served.