If you can’t measure it, it’s not a real goal.“Improve behavior” is illegal.“Reduce tantrums from 5/day to 2/day” = measurable.

Most parents walk into IEP meetings unprepared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to say — and the school knows it. But when you understand what to review before the meeting, everything changes. You ask better questions. You catch red flags early. You stop agreeing out of pressure and start advocating with confidence.

You don’t have to wait until the annual. You can request a meeting anytime, for any reason.

If your child has a need, accommodations MUST be added. Not optional.

🔑 What IDEA Actually Says (and Doesn’t Say) IDEA does NOT require schools to create or send a draft IEP at all.So technically, a school can say, “We don’t send drafts,” and still be compliant with federal law. However… ⚖️ What IDEA DOES Require Even though drafts aren’t mandated, IDEA does require that parents have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the IEP process. That comes from: - 34 CFR §300.322 – Parent Participation - 34 CFR §300.324 – Development, review, and revision of the IEP If a parent cannot reasonably review information before the meeting, that can interfere with meaningful participation. 🟡 Best Practice (Widely Accepted) While not federal law, best practice is: - Draft IEPs are shared 2–5 school days before the meeting - Especially when the IEP includes new goals, placement changes, service changes, or behavior plans Many districts follow this because: - It reduces conflict - It shortens meetings - It protects the district from procedural violations 🟢 State Laws Matter (This Is Where It Changes) Some states DO require drafts or evaluation reports in advance. Examples: - California: If a parent requests it, assessment reports must be provided at least 2 business days before the meeting - Other states (like NY, NJ, MA) often require advance sharing of evaluation data, not necessarily the IEP draft itself 👉 So the answer can change depending on the state. 🚩 When It Becomes a Problem It may rise to a procedural violation if: - The school refuses to share a draft and - Introduces complex changes for the first time during the meeting and - Pressures the parent to agree or sign That combination can deny meaningful participation. ✍🏽 What Parents Can Say (Script) Here’s a compliant, firm script parents can use: “While I understand IDEA does not require a draft IEP, I am requesting any proposed goals, services, or placement changes in advance so I can meaningfully participate in the meeting as required under 34 CFR §300.322. If that is not possible, I am requesting the meeting be rescheduled.”