| Does the facilitator make decisions about the student or their IEP? | <div class="ExternalClass67BED327C32C40589718A9D9A7A00341"><p>No. The facilitator does not make decisions about the student, their IEP, or the outcome of the IEP meeting. All decision-making rests with the IEP team.<br></p></div> | | |
| What happens if facilitation doesn’t help the team resolve their differences? | <div class="ExternalClass4DB1D2EA59684700957F4FF3C8A5430A"><p>When the team is not able to reach agreement on the student’s IEP, team members are free to pursue other forms of resolution. For more information, visit the Department of Education’s website at https://www.doe.k12.de.us/Page/2337. <br></p></div> | | |
| How do I request a facilitator for my next IEP meeting? | <div class="ExternalClass9C02CD0E7A314D0FB7D31C0CBD42034C"><p>A SPARC facilitator may be requested by contacting <a target="_blank" href="/ipa/people/faculty-staff/jessicav"><strong>Jessica Velez</strong></a> at (302)-831-8158. </p></div> | | |
| How is a facilitated IEP meeting different from the IEP meetings I currently attend? | <div class="ExternalClass6CF6AB50AAD94C1E8A66409166A40266"><p>A facilitated IEP meeting includes a neutral third party who focuses on meeting processes, such as clarifying agenda items and ensuring balanced participation as well as effective communication. This allows the team to focus on the student and the content of the IEP. <br></p></div> | | |
| What happens during a facilitated IEP meeting? | <div class="ExternalClass6B17FF9715AB4510A8B53D6C61183A40"><p>Prior to the meeting, a SPARC facilitator will speak with both parties to identify their primary concerns and goals for the next IEP meeting. They also explain the role of the facilitator and answer questions. If all parties agree to this service, the facilitator creates a meeting agenda that is inclusive of everyone’s concerns and shares this with the parties prior to the meeting. During the meeting, the facilitator manages the meeting process so the team can focus on the needs of the student. The participants control and create the outcome of the IEP meeting.<br></p></div> | | |
| Who attends the facilitated IEP meeting? | <div class="ExternalClass52E121E8CA914A07B37CF9568220513D"><p>The IEP meeting involves the entire IEP team as dictated by state and federal laws, as well as the SPARC facilitator. <br></p></div> | | |
| What if one party wants a facilitator and the other does not? | <div class="ExternalClass4200A9441BC34F1C899E16DFB493BA09"><p>IEP meeting facilitation can only occur if both the family and school agree to the service.<br></p></div> | | |
| How do I prepare for a facilitated IEP meeting? | <div class="ExternalClass15183798184245838D6BEEEDFE7BBF2E"><p>Make time to talk with the facilitator prior to the facilitated IEP meeting. Tell the facilitator what has been working with the current IEP and what has not been working, as well as specific issues you want to discuss and questions you want to ask at the next meeting. All IEP team members should be prepared to speak on their own behalf, listen to others, and work collaboratively in the best interest of the student. <br></p></div> | | |
| What is IEP Meeting Facilitation? | <div class="ExternalClass6E14EF5B3CBC4048B8EF9E01E948E768"><p>IEP meeting facilitation is quickly becoming the most recognized strategy for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of IEP meetings. The facilitator works within the IEP meeting process and with the team to work together to develop an IEP (individualized education plan) for the student. The facilitator is there to ensure every party’s concerns are heard and help facilitate conversations to find common ground and solutions for moving forward.</p></div> | | |
| How do I get started? | <div class="ExternalClass8B142D9BB564421D87ECF3F305915808"><p>Before the IEP meeting, SPARC staff will speak with both parties to listen to concerns, explain the facilitation process, and answer questions you may have about the process or the role of the facilitator. <br></p></div> | | |
| How do I know if I need IEP meeting facilitation? | <div class="ExternalClass09AAA8890C774E8689915FBC63ED2B5E"><p>When families and schools are having trouble communicating and resolving differences regarding the individualized education plan (IEP) of a student, SPARC facilitation may be able to help. SPARC staff can help you determine if facilitation is the appropriate next step. Contact our office for a confidential discussion about our services.<br></p></div> | | |
| What is the cost of IEP meeting facilitation? | <div class="ExternalClassD32028C8C6484F3AAF368170934BF9B0"><p>SPARC services are funded by the Delaware Department of Education and are free for families and schools. Parties who chose to involve an advocate, attorney, or educational expert are responsible for their fees.<br></p></div> | | |
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