IEP SEASON

Feature Story

Working Together as a Team: IEP Season

I’d been waiting for my Wrightslaw conference since May. The books arrived by snail mail, and—being the procrastinating parent I am—I didn’t finish them. Between road trips and pausing the newsletter, they just sat there glaring at me.

This newsletter isn’t my moneymaker. It’s what I wish I’d had access to when I was first starting.

So… what should The Spectrum Info Hub be?

• A warm collection of lived-life stories (think a revamped Chicken Soup for the Soul)?

• A no-nonsense advocacy newsletter?

• Cute family anecdotes? (I have plenty, though I’m not sure people find them as cute as I do.)

• A call-out space for people selling services without credentials? (The TikTok trolling this summer was… intense.)

For this issue, though, I’m zeroing in on IEPs, because mine were on the calendar, and last year I felt completely unprepared.

My boys attend a charter school, not the county district. I’m not digging into the details of that charter here… yet. But I’ll say this: I can see the potential in the school, and I want my sons to have every chance to reach it. The clock is ticking one turned 14 last month, the other is 11. I’ve seen schools with good intentions but inconsistent follow-through. During COVID, we had IEPs that looked great on paper, but staff turnover (especially in ESE) meant inconsistent supports in practice. That’s a problem.

If I could wave a magic wand, I’d raise ESE teachers’ starting salary by $15,000. Why? Because better pay attracts and keeps better people, and funds continuing education. That translates into consistency, expertise, and stability for our kids.

But policy proposals aside, here’s the practical part: This issue is going to walk you through the essentials you need this IEP season.

🔗 Featured Reads in This Issue

• 📚 Emotions

  Learn why emotions show up uninvited at IEP meetings and how to keep fear and frustration from taking over, so your advocacy comes from a place of calm confidence.

• 🗂️ Game Plan

  Every IEP has a flow. Find out when to listen, when to take notes, and when to “let it rip” so your voice makes the most impact.

• 🔤 Acronyms

  From IDEA to BIP, this quick glossary breaks down the most important acronyms so you don’t get lost in the alphabet soup during meetings.

• 💻 ChatGPT

  AI isn’t an advocate, but it can help you draft letters, prep questions, and feel more confident—if you know how to use it wisely.

Remember: an IEP meeting is a team effort. Preparation doesn’t mean conflict. It means showing up ready, informed, and confident so your child gets what they need.

—Yessenia

🌐 VISIT THE SPECTRUM INFO HUB →

The Essentials

Your Monthly IEP Reads