What should the IEP team do if a scheduled meeting runs longer than expected?

The ideal course of action when a scheduled IEP meeting extends beyond the planned time is to schedule another meeting. This approach ensures that all necessary parties, especially parents and guardians, have the opportunity to be involved in critical discussions regarding their child's individualized education plan. Continuing the meeting without the parent or simply contacting the parent afterward would compromise the collaborative nature of the IEP process, which emphasizes the importance of family input and partnership in educational planning. By rescheduling, the team can ensure that all perspectives are considered and that the meeting remains inclusive and respectful of everyone’s time and contributions. Prioritizing the input from all stakeholders helps reinforce effective communication and shared decision-making, which are crucial in developing a well-rounded IEP that meets the needs of the student.