Empowered IEP Staff Slides EMPOWERED IEPS
STAFF TRAINING
Professional Development Presentation
Empowered IEP Meetings
Coaching high school students to voice their strengths, goals, and accommodations with confidence.
Focus
Student Self-Advocacy
Target
Grades 9-12 Case Managers
Slide 1 of 6
THE MINDSET SHIFT
BENEFITS & PURPOSE
Moving Beyond Compliance
Traditional meetings happen about the student, often while they sit silently. Transforming this structure fosters authentic self-determination and deepens post-secondary readiness.
Key Research Insight
Active self-advocacy in IEPs directly correlates with improved graduation rates and post-school employment.
Traditional IEPs
The student is passive, overwhelmed by jargon, and disconnected from the goals written on their behalf.
Student-Led IEPs
The student presents their strengths, states their accommodations, and co-creates their post-secondary vision.
Transforming the high school IEP meeting from a review into a rehearsal for adult life.
Slide 2 of 6
COACHING STRATEGIES
TEACHER AS COACH
How to Scaffold Student Preparation
A student-led IEP is not an unguided performance. It is the result of structured, progressive coaching leading up to the meeting.
1
Guided Reflection
Help students unpack their learning styles, hobbies, and goals through low-stakes conversations and self-report worksheets.
2
Drafting the Script
Use templates to organize ideas into visual slides. Support the student in turning complex accommodations into plain language.
3
Low-Stakes Practice
Run a brief 1-on-1 rehearsal. Practice handling a tough question or using transition cues to move through slides comfortably.
Rule of thumb: Prepare early, practice briefly, empower continuously.
Slide 3 of 6
PRESENTATION STRUCTURE
STUDENT SLIDES
The 4-Part Student Presentation
Keep it to 5-7 Minutes
1. Who I Am
Strengths & Identity
My hobbies, my character traits, and what makes me unique inside and outside of school.
2. My Vision
Post-Secondary Hopes
My career ideas, educational plans, and how I want to live after graduation.
3. How I Learn
Accommodations
What works for me in the classroom, what obstacles I face, and how I navigate them.
4. My Ask
Self-Advocacy
What specific supports I need from my teachers, family, and case manager to succeed.
Provide students with our pre-built preparation blueprint to structure these key slides.
Slide 4 of 6
DIVERSE COMMUNICATORS
INCLUSIVITY & SYSTEMIC EQUITY
Redefining "Presentation"
Self-advocacy does not require public speaking or reading aloud. Every student, regardless of communication style, disability profile, or anxiety level, can lead.
Advocacy Principle
Agency is measured by the student's authentic choice, not by their verbal delivery.
AAC & Assisted Tech
Pre-record speech tokens on AAC devices, or program keyboard shortcuts to advance media.
Pre-Recorded Video
High-anxiety students can record themselves presenting at home or with a coach, then play it.
The Co-Pilot Model
The student sits up front and controls the slides, while their case manager or peer reads the prepared text.
Consult the student Accommodations Guide for detailed implementation tools.
Slide 5 of 6
MEETING DAY
LOGISTICS & FACILITATION
Protecting the Student's Authority
How you run the meeting dictates whether the presentation is a powerful moment of growth or an uncomfortable formality.
Physical Layout
Position the student at the head of the table or next to the screen. Ensure they have a clear line of sight to everyone in the room.
Redirect Focus
If parents or staff talk over or about the student, gently pivot: "Let's look back to James's slide to see what he says on this."
The Debrief
Within 24 hours of the meeting, spend 5 minutes with the student to reflect on what went well and celebrate their contribution.
Ready to begin? Distribute the checklists and let's transform our IEP culture.
Slide 6 of 6
My IEP Presentation Blueprint Student Preparation Guide
My IEP Meeting Blueprint
My Name
My Case Manager
IEP Meeting Date
Part 1: Who I Am (My Strengths)
What do you do well inside and outside of school? Think of hobbies, character traits, sports, creative tasks, or what your friends say is great about you.
1
2
3
Part 2: My Vision (Life After High School)
Where do you see yourself after graduation? Brainstorm ideas for your career, college, apprenticeship, living situation, and hobbies.
Career & Work Goals
Future Learning (College/Trade)
Independent Living & Community
Empowered IEPs • Transition Coaching Series Page 1 of 2
Student Preparation Guide
My Learning & Support Toolkit
Part 3: How I Learn Best
What specific tools, accommodations, or teaching strategies help you learn best in class? Mark/circle your favorites, or write yours below.
Extra time on tests/projects
Quiet testing space
Class notes/guidelines printed
Speech-to-text / typing tools
Other helpful tools or classroom set-ups:
Part 4: My Ask (What I Need to Succeed)
Write down one or two things you want your teachers, family, and case manager to know so they can help you reach your goals.
"I wish my teachers knew..."
"To support my dream, my family can..."
Part 5: My Presentation Style
How do you want to share this information during your IEP meeting? Pick the style that feels right to you!
Solo Pilot
I will present my slides and talk myself.
Co-Pilot
My teacher and I will split the speaking.
Media/Video
I will play a recorded video or speech.
Empowered IEPs • Transition Coaching Series Page 2 of 2
IEP Case Manager Checklist Staff Facilitation Tool
IEP Leadership Timeline
A step-by-step countdown checklist for case managers leading up to a student-led IEP meeting.
Phase 1: 4 Weeks Prior (Preparation & Buy-In)
SETUP
Introduce the Concept to the Student
Discuss the benefits of self-leadership. Select a presentation style (Solo, Co-pilot, or Media).
Contact Parents & Outline Structure
Send home an introductory note explaining the student-led format. Emphasize their child's leading role.
Phase 2: 2 Weeks Prior (Reflection & Drafting)
COACHING
Complete "My IEP Presentation Blueprint"
Guide the student in drafting their answers, exploring strengths, and naming classroom accommodations.
Build Presentation Slides / Scripts
Help the student copy their notes into digital slides or format cue cards if using non-digital formats.
Phase 3: 1 Week Prior (Practice & Finalize)
PRACTICE
Conduct a 1-on-1 Dress Rehearsal
Practice pacing. Cover transition lines (e.g., "Now I will hand it over to my math teacher to discuss my data.").
Configure Presentation Accommodations
Test any communication tech (AAC, text-to-speech, audio clips, or pre-recorded videos) in the meeting room.
Phase 4: Meeting Day & Debrief
EXECUTION
Optimize Room Layout & Protect Agency
Situate the student proudly at the lead. Intervene gently if anyone bypasses or talks over the student.
Reflect & Celebrate (Within 24 Hours)
Spend 5 minutes with the student checking how they felt. Celebrate their leadership with positive feedback.
Case Manager's Planning Notes
Empowered IEPs • Staff Facilitation Series Page 1 of 1
Presenter Accommodations Guide Inclusive Practice Handout
Inclusive IEP Accommodations
A reference guide for case managers to customize presentation formats based on diverse student support needs.
The Inclusion Standard
Every student has the capacity to self-advocate. True access means modifying the presentation delivery, not reducing the student's involvement or ownership of their IEP meeting.
Profile: High Anxiety & Selective Mutism
Barrier
Extreme stress of public speaking or reading aloud to a large room of adults.
Accommodation Strategies
Pre-Recorded Video: Student records slides at home or in a 1-on-1 setting; plays video on meeting day.The "Pass-Along" Cue: Student clicks slides but uses pre-printed cue cards read aloud by a trusted coach.
Profile: Non-Verbal & AAC Communicators
Barrier
Inability to communicate vocally; timing lag in live conversational environments.
Accommodation Strategies
Pre-Programmed AAC: Pre-load specific presentation phrases (e.g., "My main career goal is working with animals") onto their device.Visual Slideshow Loop: Automatic slide sequence with vivid icons, pictures, and typed thoughts that runs as a meeting opener.
Profile: Attention & Executive Dysfunction (ADHD)
Barrier
Difficulty tracking meeting segments, maintaining focus, or pacing speech.
Accommodation Strategies
Interactive Slide Anchors: Design slides with progress indicators (e.g., "Slide 1 of 4") to visually cue sequence.Tactile Roles: Assign physical tasks (passing out worksheets, clicking the clicker) to focus kinesthetic energy productively.
Implementation Check
Confirm presentation format with student 3 weeks early.
Verify room tech / audio output capabilities prior.
Empowered IEPs • Inclusive Educator Toolkit Page 1 of 1
