Your Voice IEP Lesson Plan Your Voice, Your IEP
Small Group (Tier 2) Lesson Plan
10th Grade
Duration
45 Minutes
Format
Discussion & Role-Play
Focus
Self-Advocacy Skills
Why This Matters
This lesson empowers students to become active participants in their educational planning, fostering independence and ensuring their voices are heard in decisions that directly impact their learning and future.
Learning Objective
Students will identify essential self-advocacy skills, understand their rights and responsibilities in an IEP meeting, and practice communicating their strengths, needs, and goals effectively.
Prep (15 min)
Review the Self-Advocacy Power-Up Slide Deck and script.
Print My IEP Voice Worksheet for each student.
Prepare and cut out the Role-Play Scenario Cards .
Set up projector/Smartboard for the slides.
Materials
Smartboard/Projector
Self-Advocacy Slide Deck
Teacher Advocacy Script
Student Worksheets
Role-Play Cards
Instructional Sequence
5 MIN
Warm-Up: What's an IEP?
Ask: "What comes to mind when you hear 'IEP meeting'?" (1-2 min)
Facilitate a group share of thoughts and feelings. (2-3 min)
Transition to the lesson: helping them feel prepared and powerful. (1 min)
10 MIN
Introduction to Self-Advocacy
Display Slide 2 and introduce the concept of self-advocacy. (2 min)
Discuss *why* it's important for IEPs (Slides 3-4). Emphasize voice and needs. (4 min)
Introduce core components: Know Yourself, Know Your IEP, Speak Up (Slide 5). (4 min)
15 MIN
Self-Advocacy: Knowing Your IEP
Guide students through Slides 6-8 (Strengths, Challenges, Goals).
Students begin the My IEP Voice Worksheet . (7 min)
Discuss the importance of knowing what's in their IEP. (3 min)
Introduce "Speaking Up" effectively (Slides 9-10) - listening, asking, stating needs. (5 min)
10 MIN
Role-Play Practice
Divide students into pairs and provide Role-Play Scenario Cards . (2 min)
Assign roles: "Student" and "IEP Team Member". (1 min)
Practice advocating using skills and worksheets. (5 min)
Rotate roles if time allows. (2 min)
5 MIN
Group Share & Wrap-Up
Share one thing learned or a confident tip. (3 min)
Empowerment message: "Your voice is valuable." (1 min)
Assign remaining worksheet sections as homework reflection. (1 min)
Self Advocacy Power Up Slides Your Voice
Your IEP
Self-Advocacy Power-Up!
Let's Check In
"What comes to mind when you hear the words 'IEP Meeting'?"
Think • Share • Connect
What is Self-Advocacy?
Speaking Up
Clearly expressing your needs, wants, and rights.
Knowing You
Understanding your strengths, challenges, and goals.
Taking Action
Making decisions and planning for your future.
Why Does it Matter?
1
Your Education, Your Future
Your IEP is about you! You deserve to be heard and seen.
2
The Best Support
You know your learning best. Your input helps tailor your supports.
Unlock Your Benefits
Boosted Confidence
Accurate Supports
Active Participation
Built Respect
Growing Independence
The 3-Step Power-Up
1
Know Yourself
Strengths & Challenges
2
Know Your IEP
Services & Supports
3
Speak Up
Goals & Communication
Step 1: My Strengths
What are you good at in school?
What subjects do you enjoy?
What are your talents outside of school?
How do these help you learn?
Step 1: My Challenges
What are some things that are hard for you?
What specific supports help you most?
Step 1: My Goals
This Year
"I want to achieve..."
Long-Term
"Career or College..."
My IEP
"How can it help?"
Step 3: Speaking Up!
Listen Actively
Pay attention to others.
Ask Questions
Ask for clarification.
"I" Statements
"I need...", "I learn best by..."
Be Respectful
Keep a professional tone.
Pro Success Tips
Practice! Rehearse first.
Bring Your Notes.
Make Eye Contact.
Stay Calm and Clear.
Your Input is Expected!
IEP Advocacy Script Teacher Guide Instructional Resource
Advocacy Facilitation Script
Lesson: Your Voice, Your IEP
Duration: 45 Minutes
1
Warm-Up: What's an IEP? (5 min)
"Good morning/afternoon everyone! I'm really glad you're here today. We're going to talk about something super important that directly impacts your education and your future: your IEP meetings."
Teacher: "Before we dive in, I want you to take a moment and just think about this question: What comes to mind when you hear the words 'IEP meeting'? You can think about feelings, experiences, or even just what you imagine happens in those meetings."
Pause for 1-2 minutes. Circulate to encourage initial thoughts.
Teacher: "Now, who feels comfortable sharing a word or a short phrase? There are no right or wrong answers, just honest thoughts."
Facilitate group share (2-3 min). Acknowledge all contributions positively.
Teacher: "Thank you for sharing. It's normal to have different feelings. Today, our goal is to help you feel more prepared, confident, and powerful in those meetings. We're giving you the tools to make your voice heard."
2
Introduction to Self-Advocacy (10 min)
Display Slide 2 & 3
Teacher: "So, what exactly is 'self-advocacy'? It's about three main things: Speaking Up , Understanding Yourself , and Taking Action . It means you know what you need and you're able to clearly and respectfully ask for it. It's about being in charge of your own journey."
Display Slide 4
Teacher: "Why do you think this is so important, especially when it comes to your IEP? ... Exactly! Your IEP is about you . You're the expert on how you learn best. Plus, this is a skill you'll use for the rest of your life!"
3
Self-Advocacy in 3 Steps (15 min)
Slides 6-9 & Worksheet
Teacher: "Step 1 is 'Know Yourself.' What are your strengths ? What are you good at? What subjects do you enjoy? Please start filling out the 'My Strengths' section on your worksheet."
Distribute Worksheets. Allow 3-4 minutes for writing.
Teacher: "Next, think about challenges . What is hard in school? What supports help you? Fill out 'My Challenges'. Then, look at your goals . What do you want to achieve this year? How can your IEP help?"
My IEP Voice Worksheet My IEP Voice Worksheet
Preparing for My Meeting
Name:
Date:
Your IEP meeting is a chance for you to share your thoughts and be an active part of planning your education. Use this worksheet to get ready!
1
Step 1: Know Myself
My Strengths
What are you good at? What subjects do you enjoy? What are your talents?
My Challenges
What is hard in school? What makes learning easier or harder for you?
My Goals
What do you want to achieve this year? What are your long-term goals (career/college)?
2
Step 2: Know My IEP
Homework / Independent Reflection
My Accommodations & Supports
What supports are currently in your IEP? Do they still help? Are there new ones you need?
What I Need to Know More About
Are there parts of your IEP you don't understand? Write down questions for your team.
3
Step 3: Speak Up!
Points I Want to Bring Up in My IEP Meeting
How I Will Practice Speaking Up
Example: Bringing notes, using "I" statements, practicing with a friend.
Role Play Scenario Cards Activity Role-Play Scenario Cards
Practice Your IEP Voice!
Instructions
Cut out these cards. In pairs, one person plays the "Student" and the other plays an "IEP Team Member" (e.g., teacher, administrator, case manager). The student will use their My IEP Voice Worksheet and self-advocacy tips to address the scenario.
Scenario 1
Accommodations Check-In
Situation:
Your current IEP says you get extended time on tests, but you feel you perform much better when tests are read aloud to you. This isn't currently listed in your plan.
Student Goal:
Advocate for adding "Read Aloud" as a new accommodation. Use an "I" statement to explain why it helps you.
Scenario 2
Future Planning
Situation:
The IEP team is discussing your "Transition Goals" (what you'll do after high school). Your teacher suggests college, but you are really interested in attending a trade school for automotive technology.
Student Goal:
Clearly state your interest in trade school and ask how the IEP can support that specific path (e.g., finding relevant electives).
Scenario 3
Seating Dilemma
Situation:
You have "preferential seating" in your IEP. However, in your History class, your "preferential" seat is next to a loud air conditioner that makes it impossible for you to hear the teacher.
Student Goal:
Explain why the current seating isn't working and suggest a better alternative (like sitting away from the AC unit).
Scenario 4
Confusing Vocabulary
Situation:
The Administrator at the meeting keeps using terms like "LRE," "Modifications," and "Specially Designed Instruction." You aren't sure what these mean or how they apply to you.
Student Goal:
Politely interrupt or wait for a pause to ask for clarification. Practice the phrase: "Could you explain what that means in plain English?"
Practice makes perfect! Try switching roles and trying different ways to speak up.
