FEBRUARY2003

Question: What information could the youth provide during an individual planning meeting that will be helpful for the team to consider?

Answer: It is helpful if the student or youth can provide the following information:

1. Review the classes or subjects that you currently are taking.

2. Which is your best class?

3. What can you do well in this class? (Strengths such as read, write, listen, work in groups, work alone, participate in discussions, organize the group or the work, draw, work on projects, do homework..) 

4. What helps you do well? (Strengths such as your interest in the subject, your memory, patience, determination, effort, the help of others.)

5. What class is hardest for you?

6. What's the hardest part of the class? (Needs such as paying attention, reading the book, listening, staying in your seat, remembering new information, doing homework, working in groups, ignoring others' comments.) 

7. What accommodations would help you do better?

8. What about your other classes? Ask the same questions for each of them. 

9. (For ages 14 and over) TRANSITION needs are considered in IEP meetings, so you will need to ask questions such as these: Do you plan to go to college? Go to a technical school? Get a job right out of high school? These plans will influence what classes you take in high school.

10. Would you be interested in a school-to work-program, with internships and job experiences? What type of job would you like to consider?

11. What about independent living skills, such as driving, money management, housing, and community involvement? 

12. Outline several goals and objectives you would like achieve in the next year.

For more information on your meetings and how you can participate, go to www.nichcy.org and get a copy of "A Student's Guide to the IEP" b Marcy McGahee-Kovac, 2002