And know how to use your advocacy energy most effectively.
Do you ever feel like you’re missing something in your child’s IEP? You might be right. And that’s ok! You don’t know what you don’t know. And there is A LOT we are expected to know, as parents.
As an IEP Coach, speech therapist, and parent, I’ve learned that understanding team members’ perspectives is CRITICAL to a productive and collaborative IEP meeting. Beyond the jargon and goals are mindsets that can make or break your advocacy efforts.
Keep reading to learn how reading between the lines can help you focus your advocacy energy where it matters most.
Acronyms aren’t enough
Knowing your Special Education acronyms is a good start. But reading your child’s IEP isn’t just about understanding jargon and acronyms.
It’s about reading “between the lines,” to interpret and decode the mindsets that will make or break your collaborative efforts.
My unique lens
This isn’t just about identifying language patterns, either. It’s about understanding mindsets and using that knowledge strategically.
When you know what’s really being communicated, you can focus your energy where it will have the greatest impact for your child.
Fixed Mindset Indicators
Watch for language that suggests behavior is purely choice-based:
“[Student] is a willful child…”
“…when she tries.”
“[Student] often appears unmotivated…”
“When [student] pays attention…”
Reading Between the Lines
Phrases like this signal a lack of understanding about your child’s neurological differences.
Advocacy Cue
We probably have some staff education to do as part of our advocacy work.
Growth Mindset Indicators
Look for language that implies a willingness to be flexible and find which supports work:
“[Student] responds well to sensory breaks before challenging tasks.”
“…when allowed to X instead of Y.”
“[Student] benefits from movement opportunities throughout the day.”
“…when given visual supports and extra time.”
Reading Between the Lines
If I see words like this, it signals to me that the team is coming from a growth mindset perspective already.
Advocacy Cue
We don’t need to waste our advocacy energy helping them understand our perspective. We can cut to the chase and start talking goals, services, etc.
Which of these indicators have you spotted in your child’s IEP?
What are the phrases you love to see from your favorite teachers and therapists?
What are the ones that make you cringe and get out the red pen immediately?
Not sure where or how to look? Send me a message or book a consult call!
I can help you!
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