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Complete IEP Guide, The: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child
Put the law on your child's side
Federal law guarantees every child a free, appropriate education, and the goal of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is to assure that every child with special needs receives what the law promises. But if you have a special ed child, you know that your family must make sure the school follows through.
This powerful book
Whether you're new to the IEP process or entering it once again, this user-friendly, plain English guide is your outline for an effective educational experience for your child.
This edition of The Complete IEP Guide provides key forms, sample letters and resources you need at every stage of the IEP process. With it, you can make sure your child gets a good education—the education he or she deserves.
Federal law guarantees every child a free, appropriate education, and the goal of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is to assure that every child with special needs receives what the law promises. But if you have a special ed child, you know that your family must make sure the school follows through.
This powerful book
Whether you're new to the IEP process or entering it once again, this user-friendly, plain English guide is your outline for an effective educational experience for your child.
This edition of The Complete IEP Guide provides key forms, sample letters and resources you need at every stage of the IEP process. With it, you can make sure your child gets a good education—the education he or she deserves.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1999
44 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 16, 2023
Nice icebreaker but not really enough info.
I would borrow this from the library and place of your attention on local state organizations.
They have more accurate info
I would borrow this from the library and place of your attention on local state organizations.
They have more accurate info
June 3, 2011
(This review is for the ARC)
The Complete IEP Guide is a must-have for every family with a Special Ed child and a must-read for any family suspecting they might have a Special Ed child. It is also a good resource for Special Ed teachers, providing a quick way to look up intricacies of the law and from which to offer parents and guardians useful advice.
The book carefully, concisely, and respectfully takes the reader through the entire IEP process, from interpreting the various acronyms to presenting actual forms like those that parents will encounter. It lets the reader know what can, what won't, and what shouldn't happen in a student's individualized education planning, and the best ways to approach the professionals at the conference table and in the special ed classroom.
Without ever taking a combative tone, the book informs parents of their and their children's rights when confronting an adversarial situation with the school district; it also apprises them of the district's and community's rights, and of ways to keep all of the above in balance.
The Complete IEP Guide is an essential tool that can benefit everyone involved in the special education environment.
The Complete IEP Guide is a must-have for every family with a Special Ed child and a must-read for any family suspecting they might have a Special Ed child. It is also a good resource for Special Ed teachers, providing a quick way to look up intricacies of the law and from which to offer parents and guardians useful advice.
The book carefully, concisely, and respectfully takes the reader through the entire IEP process, from interpreting the various acronyms to presenting actual forms like those that parents will encounter. It lets the reader know what can, what won't, and what shouldn't happen in a student's individualized education planning, and the best ways to approach the professionals at the conference table and in the special ed classroom.
Without ever taking a combative tone, the book informs parents of their and their children's rights when confronting an adversarial situation with the school district; it also apprises them of the district's and community's rights, and of ways to keep all of the above in balance.
The Complete IEP Guide is an essential tool that can benefit everyone involved in the special education environment.
July 10, 2009
IEPs = hate.
I read this at the beginning of my first year teaching as a high school resource science teacher. Having almost no idea about the legal crazyness that is an IEP, I thought I might get some insight here. This book seems to have the goal of helping parents becomes advocates for their child in special education but the way it is written makes it just as confusing and frustrating as the special education system itelf. 1 star is all I can muster to give.
I read this at the beginning of my first year teaching as a high school resource science teacher. Having almost no idea about the legal crazyness that is an IEP, I thought I might get some insight here. This book seems to have the goal of helping parents becomes advocates for their child in special education but the way it is written makes it just as confusing and frustrating as the special education system itelf. 1 star is all I can muster to give.
April 8, 2022
If it weren't so expensive, I'd immediately buy a copy for myself to keep for reference. Can't count how many times I wanted to dogear and highlight this one but I couldn't because it was a library copy. The IEP parent's BIBLE. With all of the important legal points without any of the legalease. Excellent.
August 13, 2019
Everything you could ever want to know about preparing for and having an IEP...
March 1, 2022
Incredibly informative and helpful.
October 4, 2023
This was awesome. So educational. I need to buy this book for future reference.
April 9, 2024
Very helpful. My process so far isn’t nearly as intimidating as the book prepares you for but I feel empowered.
May 17, 2024
The IEP Bible! If you have a child with an IEP or think they may need one you NEED this book!
March 22, 2015
This book was extremely helpful and informative. Even though I found myself wishing I had read it sooner, I was still able to gather crucial advice and information that will certainly aide in future decisions regarding our (7 1/2 year old)daughter's education. This book provided details of special education law in terms that were easy to read and were stated simply enough to understand and grasp for those of us who do not have a degree in law (though one appendix does have an excerpt from the actual IDEA law for any who are interested in reading through the law in depth)!
I love how they included actual cases and true-to-life scenarios as examples; the book also includes an appendix containing sample form letters, forms, IEP, etc. that they not only recommend but encourage you to follow and use.
I highly recommend this book to all parents whose child is currently in or will be entering the special education system (or even if you suspect your child should be considered for such an education as it has a chapter outlining how to start the process).
I love how they included actual cases and true-to-life scenarios as examples; the book also includes an appendix containing sample form letters, forms, IEP, etc. that they not only recommend but encourage you to follow and use.
I highly recommend this book to all parents whose child is currently in or will be entering the special education system (or even if you suspect your child should be considered for such an education as it has a chapter outlining how to start the process).
July 28, 2009
Extremely useful. I think that any parent with a special needs child should read this one through, and own it.
But I think it should be taken with one grain of salt--this seems to deal mostly with those horrible worst-case situations when you have to fight tooth and nail with the school system. I don't think it gives quite enough on the fact that there may be school systems out there who have great programs, know how to help your child, and are going to do everything they can to help him/her.
So you have to work on hoping for the best, all on your own. But this will prepare you for the worst.
But I think it should be taken with one grain of salt--this seems to deal mostly with those horrible worst-case situations when you have to fight tooth and nail with the school system. I don't think it gives quite enough on the fact that there may be school systems out there who have great programs, know how to help your child, and are going to do everything they can to help him/her.
So you have to work on hoping for the best, all on your own. But this will prepare you for the worst.
August 6, 2016
Extremely useful and a must read for any parent getting ready to create an IEP with a special needs team for the first time. I'll probably buy my own copy as this was borrowed from the library.
It certainly isn't an exciting or imaginative read, but the content is easy to understand and navigate. I learned a ton about the process we will begin within the next year as our youngest transitions from IFSP to IEP.
It certainly isn't an exciting or imaginative read, but the content is easy to understand and navigate. I learned a ton about the process we will begin within the next year as our youngest transitions from IFSP to IEP.
August 6, 2009
Excellent resource. I need to buy a copy of this one to keep on hand for when incidences come up along in the IEP process (which is inevitable). Invaluable information about your rights as a parent and what to do each step of the way to make sure you are getting what your child needs. I highly recommend it.
February 4, 2013
Good starting point, but no substitute for thoughtful doctors, compassionate teachers, child-centric school administrators, and other parents who have gone through the IEP process and give excellent advice for navigating the waters in your own neighborhood/school. Best when read with hugs and good chocolate.
March 17, 2008
This book is heavy on the legal side of things and less on the how-to/helpful tips kind of thing. It is great to have alongside the more practical book, though. I found its legal depth really helpful.
September 17, 2007
I learned that navigating the school system's IEP process, and getting the dirt on what your school will support without a fight is difficult, but worth it. This simplifies the process.
June 8, 2008
Extremely helpful, full of information.
Currently reading
February 17, 2009Great basic IEP info. Easy to read and understand. Unfortunately I already knew a lot of the information, but a great resource. Would be very helpful for parents new to the process!
Read
October 4, 2010Good book for parents navigating the SPED journey. Clear, concise and sometimes repetitious info that helps "break down" the info.
Want to read
December 12, 2016VERY INTERESTING RESOURCE.....
September 3, 2007
Everything you could ever want to know about preparing for and having an IEP...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews