Competency 4- IEP

PLAY HEARTS, NOT POKER! 

This is an infographic on IEP intended to be read and used by teachers. 

This infographic has a dual purpose by informing teachers and staff, and also serving as a book mark. This approach to spreading information is a great way to not push it on people too much, but providing the information in a fun way. Teachers can use the book marks however they would like, and when they want to look at it, they can. The idea for this artifact came about while reading the article "8 Steps to Better IEP Meetings: Play Hearts, Not Poker". The article is from the point of view of a parent sharing information on how she thinks IEP meetings can go better bringing in feelings and opinions as a parent. She has an autistic daughter so she knows how the meetings are facilitated. She shared her frustrations, confusion, relief, and positivity that all came out from various meetings.While this article is geared towards other parents of students who require IEPs and meetings, I read it as what can us as educators do to relieve some stress from parents during these meetings. So just as the author discussed what the parents should do in the meetings, I flipped it to look at what the school and teachers can do. It still follows the notion that in these meetings everyone there should be playing hearts, not poker. It is not about tricking your opponents or withholding information, but laying all your cards on the table and showing all the hearts and minds caring for students. 

This artifact creation impacted my thinking because it was nice to read about what parents are or may be thinking. It was interesting to learn of what they may be worried about in meetings and what they need from the school. I have not personally sat in on these meetings before, but I can think of some students I have taught that do have meetings and other teachers who frequently sit on the committees. Thinking about these people, it made me brainstorm what information may be nice to read and see on a daily basis to ensure the meetings are productive and caring. I thought a simple book mark highlighting some things to keep in mind is a great way to share and spread information. 

https://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/iep.bollero.hearts.htm