Is it appropriate to have a pre-IEP meeting, where teaching staff meet with the special education teacher (no parent involved) to discuss the student’s progress with goals and to determine whether the student deserves a diploma?
Dear Ken:
School staff are allowed to meet prior to an IEP meeting and discuss the student’s progress, draft proposed goals, and consider options. They are not allowed to predetermine the content, placement, or outcome of the IEP and must have an open and full discussion, including reasonable opportunity for input from you and open consideration of your concerns.
Unfortunately, it is sometimes the case that the pre-meeting does result in a pre-determination in fact, but that is hard to prove. Things to look for include the refusal to give you a chance for input, refusal to consider your input, failure to discuss options other than those previously discussed in private by the team, etc.