Instructions
If your child is a preteen or teen, you need to involve him or her in the development of the IEP. This is important for two reasons. First, your child’s own insights and observations about school are very important and should be incorporated into the IEP. In addition, LD students need to learn to begin to take responsibility for managing their own problems. They need to recognize that coming to grips with their learning disabilities is indeed their responsibility, as well as that of their parents and teachers.
Work the following puzzle with your LD teenager.
Then use the checklist which follows the puzzle to determine how you’re doing as a parent of a teenager.
I’m a puzzle
Help your parents get to know you better. Work this puzzle together to give them information.
I’m good at…
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I need help with…
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My favorite time is…
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My favorite things are…
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I like to
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This school work is easy for me…
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My favorite subject is
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This school work is hard for me…
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My best study time is…
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I need quiet to study
Yes _____ No _____
I like to write what I study. It helps me remember.
Yes _____ No _____
Hey! It’s my life, too!
Before the IEP meeting, have you…
| Explained to your teenager the importance of the IEP meeting and what the meeting is about? | YES | NO |
| Asked your youngster to tell you what’s good at school and what’s not so hot? | YES | NO |
| Reassured your youngster that everybody is working together to help make learning easier? (“It’s team work between the school and family.”) |
YES | NO |
| Outlined your teenager’s strengths? (Everyone needs to hear the good stuff! Pointing out strong points builds confidence.) |
YES | NO |
| Asked your youngster to participate in the meeting? | YES | NO |
After the IEP meeting, have you…
| Set up a planned time for going over the program? (Review the program even if your child attended the meeting, to clarify points and reexplain the plan.) |
YES | NO |
| Organized your home program for involvement including responsibilities for homework, classwork, etc.? | YES | NO |
| Shown your support for the program and IEP? (“At the meeting today everyone really worked together on this special program.” |
YES | NO |
Remember, your teenager needs to be a part of the decision-making. Involvement in the IEP is one step toward development of ownership of learning. It helps lay the groundwork for accepting responsibility. Make sure you answered YES to the questions above.
Understanding Learning Disabilities: A Parent Guide and Workbook can be ordered from the Learning Disabilities Council, Inc., P.O. Box 8451, Richmond, Virginia 23226. Ph. (804) 748-5012
Understanding Learning Disabilities: A Parent Guide & Workbook Learning Disabilities Council, Inc. Richmond, VA 1991