Topic 5

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The IEP Process as a Team

A Team Effort The IEP process is an opportunity for collaborative decision-making and shared ownership. For many school staff and many parents, the IEP process has become very aversive. The paperwork requirements are often perceived to inhibit teamwork, and the mandated process is often perceived to have little relevance to teaching and learning. Collaboration is about how to do it together. It makes sense to work together. It is respectful. Families and professionals have said that it is important, that they experience greater satisfaction and that it advances the services for children with disabilities. Only when each IEP team member is dedicated to collaborative team-based decision-making will the fruits of collaboration be harvested. Therefore, each member must evaluate his or her status as a collaborator in the IEP process. Trust is a vitally important issue for IEP teams. High levels of trust promote risk taking and productivity. Low levels can promote fear and avoidance. Experience on all levels suggests that many problems in the IEP process are related to trust. Obviously, history is a great teacher. Past breaches of trust are tough to forget. Consistent trustworthiness promotes a trusting atmosphere at IEP team meetings. A trusting atmosphere promotes disclosure and productive problem solving. A team (in contrast to a group) has clear aims shared by all members. It is committed to working together to be successful. It recognizes that some rules

or procedures are necessary for effective IEP team operation.

Now, Complete the next Assignment: Module 1/Topic 5/Assignment for the IEP Process as a Team

Test Test Title: Module 1Topic 5--Assignment for the IEP Process as a
Team You may take this test an unlimited number of times.
Question # 1 : Question Information Use a dictionary to answer the questions below. Write the full definition. Question # 1 : Essay What is the definition of Consensus?

Question # 2 : Question Information Use a dictionary to answer the questions below. Write the full definition. Question # 2 : Essay

What is the definition of Collaborate?

Question # 3 : Question Information Write in your response in your own words. Question # 3 : Essay Explain how these 2 words relate to the IEP Team Process.