IEP Meeting Self-Advocacy Script

Warm-Up: What's an IEP? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon everyone! I'm really glad you're here today. We're going to talk about something super important that directly impacts your education and your future: your IEP meetings.

Before we dive in, I want you to take a moment and just think about this question: What comes to mind when you hear the words 'IEP meeting'? You can think about feelings, experiences, or even just what you imagine happens in those meetings.

[Pause for 1-2 minutes, allowing students to reflect. Circulate if needed to encourage initial thoughts.]

Now, who feels comfortable sharing a word or a short phrase about what comes to mind? There are no right or wrong answers, just honest thoughts."

[Facilitate a brief group share (2-3 minutes). Acknowledge all contributions positively. Try to draw out a range of feelings – perhaps some apprehension, some confusion, some understanding.]

"Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts. It's totally normal to have different feelings or ideas about IEP meetings. Today, our goal is to help you feel more prepared, more confident, and more powerful in those meetings. We're going to give you some tools to make your voice heard."

Introduction to Self-Advocacy (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's get started. [Display Slide 2: Your Voice, Your IEP: Self-Advocacy Power-Up!] Our lesson today is called 'Your Voice, Your IEP: Self-Advocacy Power-Up!' because that's exactly what we're going for – to power up your ability to advocate for yourselves.

[Display Slide 3: What is Self-Advocacy?]

"So, what exactly is 'self-advocacy'? It might sound like a big word, but it's really about three main things: Speaking Up, Understanding Yourself, and Taking Action. It means you know what you need, you know what you want, and you're able to clearly and respectfully ask for it. It's about being in charge of your own journey."

[Display Slide 4: Why Is Self-Advocacy Important for Your IEP?]

"Why do you think this is so important, especially when it comes to your IEP?

[Pause for responses.]

Exactly! Your IEP is about you and your education, so your voice is essential. You're the expert on how you learn best, what helps you, and what doesn't. Your input helps your teachers and the whole IEP team make sure you get the best support possible. Plus, learning to advocate for yourself now is a skill you'll use for the rest of your life – in college, in your career, and everywhere else!"

[Display Slide 5: Benefits of Being a Self-Advocate]

"When you become a strong self-advocate, you'll feel more confident, you'll get the support you truly need, and you'll become an active, respected participant in planning your future. It's all about building your independence."

Self-Advocacy in 3 Steps (15 minutes)

Teacher: "To make this easier, we're going to break self-advocacy down into three main steps, as shown on Slide 6: Know Yourself, Know Your IEP, and Speak Up!"

[Display Slide 7: Step 1: Know Yourself - My Strengths!]

"Let's start with 'Know Yourself.' This is about understanding what makes you, you, as a learner. First, let's think about your strengths. What are you good at in school? What subjects do you enjoy? What are your talents, even outside of school? How do these strengths help you learn?"

[Give students a moment to think.]

"Now, I'm going to hand out the My IEP Voice Worksheet. Please start by filling out the 'My Strengths' section. Think about specific examples."

[Distribute the My IEP Voice Worksheet. Allow 3-4 minutes for students to write.]

[Display Slide 8: Step 1: Know Yourself - My Challenges!]

"Next, 'Knowing Yourself' also means understanding your challenges. What are some things that are hard for you in school? What specific supports or strategies have helped you with these challenges in the past? What makes learning easier or harder for you? Think specifically about your learning style or things that might distract you."

[Allow 3-4 minutes for students to fill out the 'My Challenges' section of the worksheet.]

[Display Slide 9: Step 1: Know Yourself - My Goals!]

"Finally for 'Knowing Yourself,' let's think about your goals. What do you want to achieve this school year? And what are your long-term goals, maybe for after high school – college, a job, a trade? How can your IEP help you reach these goals?"

[Allow 3-4 minutes for students to fill out the 'My Goals' section of the worksheet.]

Knowing Your IEP & Speaking Up (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Great job reflecting on yourselves! The second step, 'Know Your IEP,' is closely related. Your IEP is a powerful document designed to support you. It outlines your accommodations, modifications, and services. Knowing what's in it means you can make sure you're actually getting those supports. For homework, you'll finish exploring this on your worksheet, but for now, let's talk about the final, crucial step: Speaking Up!"

[Display Slide 10: Step 3: Speak Up! - Effective Communication]

"It's one thing to know what you need, and another to say it. Speaking up effectively means you can clearly communicate your thoughts in a way that others can hear and understand. Look at these tips on the slide:

* Listen Actively: Pay attention to what others are saying. It shows respect and helps you understand.
* Ask Questions: If you don't understand something, always ask for clarification. It's okay not to know everything!
* State Your Needs Clearly: Use "I" statements. Instead of saying, "You never give me enough time," try, "I need more time on tests to show what I know." Or, "I think XYZ accommodation helps me best."

• Be Respectful: Even if you disagree, keep your tone respectful. This helps everyone listen to you better."
  
  [Display Slide 11: Speaking Up in Your IEP Meeting: Tips!]
  
  "Here are a few more tips for when you're actually in your IEP meeting:
  
  * Practice! The more you practice, the easier it gets. That's why we're doing this today!
  * Bring Notes: Your My IEP Voice Worksheet is a perfect guide to bring with you.
  * Make Eye Contact: It shows you're engaged and confident.
  * Speak Clearly and Calmly: If you feel nervous, take a deep breath before you speak.
  * Most importantly, remember: Your input is incredibly valuable and is expected! Everyone on your IEP team wants to hear from you."
  
  

Role-Play Practice (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, it's time to put these skills into practice! I'm going to divide you into pairs. I'll give each pair some Role-Play Scenario Cards. One person will play the student, and the other will play an IEP team member – maybe a teacher or an administrator. Your job is to practice advocating for yourselves using the skills we just talked about, and you can even refer to your My IEP Voice Worksheet if you like.

After a few minutes, we'll switch roles."

[Divide students into pairs, distribute Role-Play Scenario Cards. Circulate and provide support, feedback, and encouragement during the role-play. After 5 minutes, instruct students to switch roles if time permits for another 5 minutes.]

Group Share & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Okay, everyone, let's bring it back together. Great work practicing those skills!

Can a few people share one thing they learned today, or one self-advocacy tip they feel more confident using now?"

[Facilitate a short group share. Call on a few students. (3 minutes)]

"Fantastic! Remember, every time you speak up, you become a stronger advocate for yourself. Your voice is important, and it matters. Don't forget to take your My IEP Voice Worksheet home; you can continue to reflect on the 'Knowing Your IEP' section as homework. It will be a great tool for your next IEP meeting. Keep practicing these skills, and know that you have the power to shape your own educational journey!"

[Display Slide 12: You Got This! Your Voice Matters!]

My IEP Voice Worksheet: Preparing for My Meeting

Your IEP meeting is a chance for you to share your thoughts and be an active part of planning your education. Use this worksheet to get ready!

Section 1: Know Myself

My Strengths!

What are you good at in school? What subjects do you enjoy? What are your talents, even outside of school? How do these strengths help you learn?

Example: I am good at understanding math concepts when they are explained visually. I enjoy art and creative writing.

My Challenges!

What are some things that are hard for you in school? What specific supports or strategies help you with these challenges? What makes learning easier or harder for you?

Example: It's hard for me to focus in noisy environments. Having headphones helps a lot.

My Goals!

What do you want to achieve this school year? What are your long-term goals (e.g., college, career, independent living)? How can your IEP help you reach these goals?

Example: I want to improve my essay writing skills this year. I also want to go to community college after high school.

Section 2: Know My IEP (Homework / Independent Reflection)

My Accommodations & Supports

Look at your current IEP. What are your accommodations, modifications, and services? Do they still help you? Are there any you think you no longer need, or new ones you might need?

Example: I have extended time on tests and notes provided. I think the extended time is still helpful, but I'd like to try taking my own notes with a note-taking app.

What I Need to Know More About

Are there parts of your IEP that you don't fully understand? Write down any questions you have about your current plan or services.

Example: What does 'resource room support' actually mean? How often do I get to use it?

Section 3: Speak Up! (Preparing for the Meeting)

Questions or Points I Want to Bring Up in My IEP Meeting

Based on your reflections in Sections 1 and 2, what specific questions or ideas do you want to share with your IEP team?

Example: I want to ask if I can get a digital textbook this year, as it's easier for me to highlight and annotate.

How I Will Practice Speaking Up

What strategies will you use to make your voice heard during the meeting? (e.g., bringing notes, asking questions, using 'I' statements, practicing with someone).

Example: I will write down my main points and bring this worksheet. I will also try to make eye contact when I'm speaking. I'll practice what I want to say about digital textbooks with a friend.

Role-Play Scenario Cards: Practice Your IEP Voice!

Instructions: Cut out these cards. In pairs, one person plays the "Student" and the other plays an "IEP Team Member" (e.g., teacher, administrator, case manager). The student will use their My IEP Voice Worksheet and the self-advocacy tips to address the scenario.

Scenario 1: Accommodations Check-In

Situation: During your IEP meeting, the team is discussing your accommodations for tests. Your current IEP says you get extended time, but you also feel you perform better when tests are read aloud to you, which isn't currently listed.

Your Goal: Advocate for adding