My IEP My Voice Plan Lesson Plan My IEP, My Voice Plan
Lesson Facilitation Guide
Time
70 Minutes
Why This Matters
Understanding your IEP is vital for taking an active role in your education. This lesson empowers you to know your rights, understand the support you receive, and advocate effectively for yourself, ensuring your educational journey aligns with your needs and aspirations.
Audience
11th Grade Student
Approach
Interactive Discussion & Direct Instruction
Objective
Identify key IEP components and advocate for needs.
Teacher Preparation
15 Minutes Prep Time
Review the My IEP, My Voice Plan to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
Review the Understanding Your IEP (Slide Deck) and practice the presentation.
Print copies of My IEP at a Glance and Questions for My IEP Meeting .
Ensure the student has access to their personal IEP document (digital or physical).
Instructional Steps
10m
Warm-Up: What's an IEP?
Begin with a brief discussion: "What do you already know or think you know about your IEP?"
Explain that an IEP is a plan designed to support their learning journey.
Introduce the lesson: "Today, we're going to power up your understanding of your IEP so you can be a strong voice in your own education."
25m
Understanding Your IEP Slides
Present the Understanding Your IEP slide deck to the student.
Pause after each section to check for understanding and encourage questions.
Emphasize the sections on student rights and self-advocacy.
20m
My IEP at a Glance Worksheet
Distribute the My IEP at a Glance worksheet.
Guide the student through completing the worksheet using their own IEP document.
Encourage highlighting areas they want to explore further.
Provide 1:1 support and answer questions as they navigate the document.
10m
Questions for My IEP Meeting
Introduce the Questions for My IEP Meeting journal.
Explain that preparing questions helps them actively participate in their IEP meeting.
Allow the student time to reflect and write down any questions or thoughts.
Exit
Cool-Down: My IEP Power
Conclude by asking: "What is one new thing you learned today, or one way you feel more empowered?"
Reiterate the importance of their voice and encourage continued engagement.
Understanding Your IEP Slide Deck Level Up
IEP Power-Up:
My Voice, My Plan
Understanding Your Individualized Education Program (IEP)
System Ready // 11th Grade Edition
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome the student and explain that this presentation will help them understand their IEP better. Encourage them to ask questions at any time.
What is
an IEP?
"Your personalized roadmap to school success!"
I
Individualized
It's your plan, unique to you!
E
Education
It guides your learning and support.
P
Program
A structured approach to help you succeed.
TEACHER NOTES: Explain what an IEP is in simple terms: a roadmap for their learning. Emphasize it's *individualized* for them.
Key Parts of Your IEP
Present Levels (PLP)
Where you are now in your learning.
Annual Goals
Where you're headed this school year.
Services
The specialized support you will receive.
Accommodations
How things are adjusted to help you learn.
Transition Services
Planning for life after high school. (Vital for 11th Grade!)
TEACHER NOTES: Go over the main parts of an IEP. Focus on the 'why' behind each section. Explain that they'll be focusing on specific parts today.
Your Annual Goals:
Learning Targets
01
Specific, measurable steps you'll work on this year in areas like math, reading, or social skills.
02
They track your progress and highlight your personal achievements.
Goals = Your Personalized Scoreboard
TEACHER NOTES: Explain goals as personal learning targets. Give an example (without revealing student's personal info).
Your Support System
Accommodations
HOW you learn.
Extended time on tests
Preferential seating
Audiobooks & Tools
Modifications
WHAT you learn.
Reduced assignments
Simplified texts
Adjusted expectations
TEACHER NOTES: Clearly define accommodations (how you learn) vs. modifications (what you learn). Provide common examples relevant to an 11th grader.
High Priority
My IEP at a Glance Worksheet System: Student_Advocacy_Profile
My IEP at a Glance
Status: Active
Phase 1: Knowledge
Student Name
Date
Instructions: Use your personal IEP document to fill out the information below. If you don't know an answer, make a note to ask your teacher or case manager!
Section 1: My Information
My Case Manager
Date of Last IEP Meeting
Date of Next Scheduled IEP Meeting
Section 2: My Goals
What are my current annual goals? List at least two key goals and what I am working towards.
Goal 1
Goal 2
Section 3: My Accommodations & Modifications
What specific accommodations help me learn best in my classes? List at least three.
1
2
3
Which of these do I find MOST helpful, and why?
Section 4: Transition Planning (Post-High School)
What are my goals for after high school? (e.g., college, vocational training, job)
What steps am I currently taking or planning to take to achieve these goals?
Section 5: My Voice
What is one thing I want my teachers and IEP team to know about me and my learning?
Questions for My IEP Meeting Journal Questions for My IEP Meeting
Reflecting on your plan helps you become a strong advocate. Use this journal to prepare your thoughts and questions for your upcoming team meeting.
Student
Date
1 Part 1: Reflecting on My IEP
What parts of my IEP do I feel confident about understanding?
What parts of my IEP are still a bit confusing to me?
Are my current accommodations and services working well for me? Why or why not?
2 Part 2: Questions for My IEP Team
Write down at least 3 questions you want to ask. These can be about goals, accommodations, future plans, or anything else.
Question 1
Question 2
Question 3
Question 4 (Optional)
3 Part 3: My Strengths & What I Want to Share
What are my greatest strengths as a student? What do I want my IEP team to know about what I do well or what helps me learn?
End of Reflection // Advocate Protocol Complete
