How to Prepare for your Child’s Annual Review Meeting
The Annual Review is your once-a-year Committee on Special Education meeting, designed to discuss your child’s current strengths and needs in order to help inform their services for the upcoming school year. The IEP and services discussed should reflect where they are now- not where they were 12 months ago. A little preparation goes a long way toward making the meeting productive instead of overwhelming. Use this checklist to get ready.
2-3 Weeks Before the Meeting
Request a copy of the current IEP and re-read it in full.
Gather recent report cards, progress reports, and any outside evaluations.
Ask teachers for informal feedback- what’s going well, and what’s hard for your child.
Make a list of specific questions or concerns you want addressed.
Decide if you’d like to bring an advocate or support person, and invite them. Let the district know the name of who will be coming to support you as your advocate.
1 Week Before the Meeting
Review your child’s current goals- are they still relevant? Too easy? Too hard?
Note any changes at home that you think the team should know about (behavior, motivation, stress around school).
Write down 2-3 top priorities you want to make sure get discussed, in case time runs short.
Confirm meeting logistics- time, location or video link, and a list of who will be attending.
Questions Worth Bringing to the Meeting
Is my child on track to meet each current goal?
Are the accommodations actually being used consistently in the classroom?
Has anything changed that should affect placement or level of support?
What does progress look like for next year, and how will it be measured?
What happens if I disagree with something proposed today?
During the Meeting
Take notes, or ask if you can record the meeting (rules vary by district, so confirm ahead of time)
Don’t be afraid to ask the team to slow down or explain any term you don’t recognize.
If you don’t agree with something, say so in the moment- you don’t have to sign off right away.
Ask for a clear timeline of when you’ll receive the finalized IEP in writing.
After the Meeting
Review the written IEP carefully once it arrives- confirm that it matches what was discussed at the meeting.
Follow up on anything left unresolved.
Calendar a mid-year check-in with the teacher, even if not formally required.
How Laurel Learning Can Help
Annual Reviews move fast, and it’s easy to leave a meeting feeling like you didn’t get to say everything you meant to. We help parents prepare beforehand, attend meetings alongside parents, and make sure their priorities actually get addressed- not just noted and set aside. Reach out today to schedule a free 10-15 minute phone call to discuss your unique situation and strategize a plan.
