Adding Student Voice to an IEP
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) is a legal document designed to support the unique educational needs of students with disabilities. IEP’s are developed by a team of educators and parents; however, one of the most important perspectives is your students’ voice. Our students are the star of the show at their IEP meeting and their voice matters the most. Keep reading to find out why student voice matters and what you can do to make sure their voice is heard.
Why Student Voice Matters
- Promotes Self-Advocacy: Encouraging students to express their needs, preferences, and goals fosters self-advocacy skills. This is crucial for academic success and personal development.
- Ensures Relevant Goals: When students articulate their aspirations and challenges, the IEP team can set more meaningful and achievable goals tailored to the student’s interests and abilities.
- Enhances Engagement: Students who feel heard and valued are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their educational journey. This can lead to improved academic outcomes and a more positive school experience.
- Provides Unique Insights: Students can offer a first-hand perspective on what strategies work best for them, what obstacles they continue to face, and what accommodations are most effective.
How to Add Student Voice to an IEP
At the high school level, our students are invited to attend their IEP meetings. Many times they have no idea what is written in their IEP, let alone what to expect at their meeting. They often feel stressed and anxious, mostly worried about what their teachers are going to say about them. Weeks before their meeting date, we start preparing them so they don’t go into their meeting blindsided. Here are two helpful ways to gather information that will assist you when preparing your students and adding their voice to an IEP.
- IEP Meeting Student Preparation Form: This form breaks down an IEP into a simpler format that helps our students better understand their strengths and needs. We’ve included information that will also be discussed at their meeting. We even help them formulate questions to ask so they feel more comfortable participating.
- Speech & Language Survey: This survey allows students to reflect on their academic performance. They will answer questions about their classes, academic strengths, challenges, accommodations, modifications, language skills, etc. Hearing first hand from students gives us a better idea of their perspective on how they are doing academically. Oftentimes this is very different from what we as the SLPs or even the teachers think.
Integrating student voice into the IEP process is a powerful way to create more effective and personalized educational plans. By listening to students and valuing their input, educators can foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment that truly meets each student’s needs. Empowering students to take on an active role in their education not only enhances their academic success but also prepares them for a future where they can confidently advocate for themselves. Let’s give our students the microphone and listen to what they have to say!
