A small first step toward student voice in IEP meetings
Prepare a meaningful contribution before the meeting.
Offer a real choice
Ask which part the student wants to share: a strength, an interest, a goal, or a support that helps. Participation can begin with one contribution.
Model a useful sentence
Try: “One thing that helps me learn is seeing an example before I start.” Explain that the student can use a different support or their own wording.
Practice together
Offer: “I am proud of ___,” “I want to learn ___,” or “It helps when ___.” Help the student make the statement specific, while keeping their meaning.
Plan how to share
Let the student choose whether to read, speak, sign, type, use a prepared response, or ask someone to share it with their permission. Practice the chosen approach before the meeting.