Small Changes, Big Impact: 5 ARC / IEP Meeting Tips That Make a Difference
- Mary Patton
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
Heading into an ARC or IEP meeting can stir anxiety — questions, uncertainty, and “What if I miss something?” swirl in your mind. But advocacy doesn’t require perfection. Small, strategic steps can make your voice stronger, more confident, and more effective.
Below are 5 practical tips parents can adopt today — plus a link to my Condensed ARC / IEP Meeting Checklist to help you prepare.
1. Request the Draft IEP in Advance
Ask the school to send you the proposed IEP draft a few days before the meeting. Reviewing the draft ahead of time gives you a chance to look for missing supports, unclear language, or areas to request clarification.
Tip: Highlight anything you don’t agree with or don’t understand — mark those sections so you can bring them up during the meeting.
2. Bring Your Parent Input in Writing
Don’t rely on verbal comments alone. Prepare a short Parent Input Letter (written or typed) summarizing your child’s current strengths, challenges, and what’s changed since the last IEP. Submit this at the meeting, and request that it be attached to the official conference summary.
3. Ask for Clarification Until You Understand
Never leave a meeting with confusion. If someone uses an acronym, a vague phrase, or “we’ll see how it goes” — stop and ask: “Can you explain exactly what that means in practice?” or “How will we measure progress?” That clarity is your right.
4. Focus on Outcomes, Not Jargon
You don’t need to know all the legal language to advocate well. Instead, focus on what you want your child to achieve. Example language:
“My child needs to improve from 60% to 80% accuracy on reading comprehension with supports.”
“I’d like a visual schedule during transitions to reduce anxiety and elopement risk.”
That keeps the conversation centered on goals and support, not arguing over language.
5. Monitor Implementation Afterwards
Getting the IEP approved is just half the battle. For the next few weeks:
Track whether your child actually receives the services on schedule.
Save all emails, notes, and progress updates.
If something isn’t happening, request a follow-up meeting or written notice immediately.
Great advocacy grows one step at a time. Use the Condensed ARC / IEP Meeting Checklist to guide your preparation and bring confidence into your next meeting.
And if you’re ready to go deeper, my Understanding the IEP: From Start to Finish course helps you master meeting strategy, legal rights, and communication tools parents often don’t get in school.
You’ve got this. Your voice matters.
— Mary Beth Patton
M. Patton Special Education Advocacy & Consulting
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