Discover the Power of Facilitated Individualized Education Programs (FIEP) in West Virginia
Are you a parent, educator, or school administrator struggling with Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings? You're not alone. The process can often be fraught with tension, miscommunication, and unresolved issues. But what if there was a way to make these meetings more productive and less stressful for everyone involved? Enter the Facilitated Individualized Education Program (FIEP) process, a game-changing approach adopted by the West Virginia Department of Education.
What is the Facilitated IEP Process?
The Facilitated IEP process is designed to bring harmony and clarity to IEP meetings by involving a neutral facilitator. This facilitator is trained in communication and conflict resolution techniques, helping to guide the meeting smoothly without taking sides. The process is voluntary and must be agreed upon by both parties involved in the IEP meeting.
Who Can Request a Facilitated IEP Meeting?
In West Virginia, a district, parent, or adult student can request a Facilitated IEP Team meeting. To do so, a written request must be submitted to the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) at least two weeks prior to the scheduled IEP meeting. Both parties must agree to use the FIEP process, which is free and conducted in a timely manner.
Benefits of IEP Facilitation
- Improved Communication: Facilitators help maintain open communication and ensure that everyone at the meeting can participate fully.
- Conflict Resolution: If disagreements arise, the facilitator can help clarify and resolve them, preventing the need for more formal dispute resolution processes.
- Better Relationships: The process helps build and improve relationships among IEP Team members, especially when they are having difficulty working together.
- Effective Decision-Making: Facilitators assist team members with decision-making, ensuring that the language in the IEP reflects decisions made during the meeting.
The Role of the Facilitator
The facilitator is an impartial party trained in facilitation techniques. They work with the IEP Team to create an agenda and ground rules for the meeting, guiding discussions with student-focused questions. Their goal is to keep the team on task and within the scheduled time, asking questions to clarify points of agreement and disagreement.
Choosing the Right Facilitator
Facilitators are assigned by the Office of Federal Programs & Support (OFPS) on a rotational basis from a list of qualified facilitators. This ensures that the facilitator is available during the timeframe for the IEP Team meeting.
Why Choose IEP Facilitation?
Trust and open communication between parents and school districts are essential for a positive, long-term partnership in the education of students with exceptionalities. The FIEP process not only improves relationships but also leads to better outcomes for students. While not required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), IEP Facilitation is an optional process that can be a valuable tool for developing an appropriate IEP.
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