Eligibility meetings are crucial meetings that determine whether a student qualifies for special education services or not. As a school psychologist, you play a key role in these meetings, and it is essential that you come prepared. But what exactly do you need to bring to every eligibility meeting? In this blog post, we will discuss the essential tools that every school psychologist should bring to an eligibility meeting.
Assessment Reports
It is important that you bring all relevant assessment reports to the eligibility meeting. These reports could include cognitive, academic, and behavioral assessments. Make sure that your reports are comprehensive, accurate, and properly organized, so that you can easily refer to them during the meeting. You can also highlight key findings, strengths, and weaknesses of the student for the team to review.
Timeline and Agendas
Another essential tool to bring to an eligibility meeting is a timeline of events and meeting agendas. This timeline should summarize important dates such as initial evaluations, re-evaluations, and team meetings. Having a clear timeline will ensure that everyone is on the same page and avoid any confusion. Additionally, prepare the agenda beforehand, so that you can guide the meeting and stay on track even when there are moments of tension or disagreement.
Accommodations and Modification Lists
Provide the team with a list of accommodations and modifications that are specific to the student being discussed. These lists could include anything from extra time on tests, to preferential seating, to access to assistive technology. You can explain why each recommendation is appropriate and useful, and make sure that the team understands how to implement them.
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
If a student has an existing behavior intervention plan (BIP), bring it along to the meeting. The BIP includes strategies that have been proven to support the student’s behavior, and it’s important that they continue to follow it. Review the BIP with the team and discuss any modifications that may need to be made to better support the student’s behavior in the classroom.
Your Positive Attitude
Lastly, remember to bring your positive attitude to the meeting. Eligibility meetings can sometimes be tense and emotional, but it’s your job to maintain the team’s focus on what is best for the student. Acknowledge the concerns of the parents and the team, ask clarifying questions, and be willing to brainstorm solutions. Working collaboratively will increase the likelihood of reaching the best possible outcomes for the student.
In conclusion, preparation is key to a successful eligibility meeting. As a school psychologist, you must be ready to bring all the necessary tools and be prepared for any scenario or question that arises during the meeting. Have your assessment reports organized, refresh yourself on any timelines and agendas, bring recommendations that are specific to the student, review any existing behavior intervention plans, be prepared to work collaboratively, and most importantly, keep a positive attitude. Eligibility meetings are important, but with the right tools and mindset, they can lead to great outcomes for our students.