Request the draft IEP and all evaluation reports in writing, in advance

Re-read the current IEP and mark every goal as met, partially met, or not met

Collect work samples, progress reports, and your own dated observation notes

Ask who will attend and request anyone missing (OT, SLP, general-ed teacher)

Decide whether to bring an advocate or a second adult to take notes

Describe your child's strengths first — it changes the tone of the meeting

List your top three concerns in priority order

Name the specific services or accommodations you are requesting

Attach outside evaluations, therapy reports, and medical documentation

Send it to the team before the meeting so it must be considered

Extended time, reduced-distraction setting, and breaks

Assistive technology: text-to-speech, speech-to-text, word prediction, AAC

Accessible educational materials: audio, large print, braille, digital text

Reduced copying, teacher notes provided, and modified homework load

Explicit social, executive-function, or self-advocacy instruction

Testing accommodations aligned to state and college-board requirements

Ask for every goal to be measurable: who, what, how measured, how often

Ask how each service will be delivered — minutes, setting, and by whom

Ask for anything denied to be documented in Prior Written Notice

Do not sign under pressure — you may take the document home to review

Request a copy of the finalized IEP and the meeting notes

Send a thank-you email summarizing agreements in writing

Calendar a 30-day implementation check-in

Track progress against each goal yourself, monthly

Know your dispute options: facilitated IEP, mediation, state complaint, due process