This week, I attended an IEP annual review meeting for one of my students. My cooperating teacher had to prepare data such as outcome tests, writing samples, and Developmental Reading Assessment scores. There are six other students with IEP’s in the classroom. My cooperating teacher keeps data on these students and all other students in case a parent or administrator would like to see the data.

The vice principal, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, special education teacher, and parents were at the meeting. The vice principal began the meeting by asking everyone around the table to introduce themselves. Then, we all had to sign into the meeting. My cooperating teacher told me to add my name to the list since I was not on it. The parents said they felt comfortable with me being in the room, so I had the opportunity to observe the meeting. I met the parents previously at parent-teacher conferences, so that may be why they felt comfortable with me.

The special education teacher went over the student’s progress by discussing graphs and test scores. Then, my cooperating teacher and the other two specialists spoke about the student’s progress. The specialists and my cooperating teacher focused on student growth, so the meeting was very positive.The special education teacher provided goals for the student, and the parents agreed with the goals. I enjoyed observing the IEP meeting and feel more prepared to attend IEP meetings as a teacher.

I have learned that everything teachers say and do must be backed up with data. One goal that I have more myself in my current placement and in the future is to gather data about students during instruction. My cooperating teacher reminded me that I should be taking notes about individual students during lessons. She said I should know how each student is doing so I know which students to pull for reteaching. It is important to check for understanding during a lesson so you can alter instruction to address student needs.