Collaboration within the IEP Team

The reason IEP teams exist is to exchange idea's, collaborate, and develop the most appropriate education for special needs students using a team approach. No one person can determine the education needs for a student receiving special education services. Communication within the IEP team is essential to the IEP process. Communication allows experts within the IEP team to exchange ideas and their expert opinions to make important decisions related to the special needs students individual education plan. I believe each person within the IEP team needs to voice their opinion within the IEP process. In order for this to happen each member must be an active listener and must feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and suggestions to the other team members. IEP team members must also be receptive to other team members suggestions and willing to work with or compromise to develop the final end product to the IEP.