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Practice your IEP meeting before the real one

Pick what the school is likely to say. An AI plays the school staff member, you type what you'd say back, and you get a short tip after each reply. A few rounds of this makes the real meeting a lot less nerve-racking.

Six things schools say, and calm ways to answer

You don't have to win the argument in the room. The goal is to stay calm, ask for something specific, and get the answer in writing.

"Let's wait and see"

What they might say: "I hear you, and we're watching her closely. Honestly, a lot of kids have a rough fall. Let's see how she does after the holidays and talk again in January."

A calm reply: "I understand. I'd still like to request a full evaluation now, and I'm putting it in writing today. Can you tell me who I send it to and when I'll get the consent form?"

A parent can ask the school for an initial special education evaluation. (34 CFR §300.301(b))

"We need to try interventions first"

What they might say: "Before we go to a full evaluation, our process is to try interventions first. We'll put him in a reading group for 6 to 8 weeks and track his progress."

A calm reply: "I'm fine with the reading group, and I'd like the evaluation to happen at the same time. If the school is saying no to the evaluation, can I get that in writing?"

The U.S. Department of Education says RTI (trying interventions first) can't be used to delay or deny an evaluation. (OSEP Memo 11-07 (2011))

"She's passing, so she won't qualify"

What they might say: "Her grades are fine. She's passing everything, so to be honest she wouldn't qualify for an IEP anyway."

A calm reply: "I'm glad she's passing. Grades are only part of it, and I'm seeing her struggle in other ways. I'd like her evaluated so we know for sure."

A child can qualify for special education even if they are passing and moving from grade to grade. (34 CFR §300.101(c)(1))

"Let's just do a 504 plan"

What they might say: "I think a 504 plan would cover what he needs. It's quicker, and we can get some accommodations in place right away without all the testing."

A calm reply: "A 504 might help in the meantime. I'd still like the special education evaluation, so we can see what she needs before we decide on a plan."

Schools have a duty to find and evaluate children who may have a disability and need special education (child find). (34 CFR §300.111(a), (c)(1))

"We don't have staff for that"

What they might say: "I understand why you're asking for a one-on-one aide, but we just don't have the staff for that right now. Every classroom is stretched."

A calm reply: "I hear that staffing is tight. Can we talk about what he needs first, based on the evaluation? If the answer is no, I'd like that in writing with the reason."

The IEP has to be based on the child's needs, evaluation results and the parent's concerns. (34 CFR §300.324(a)(1))

"The psychologist is backed up"

What they might say: "We did get your consent form. The problem is our school psychologist is really backed up, so the testing probably won't happen until the spring."

A calm reply: "I understand the psychologist is busy. The evaluation still has a deadline. Can you give me the date it will be finished, in writing?"

The initial evaluation has a deadline: 60 days from consent, or your state's own timeline. (34 CFR §300.301(c)(1))

Before the meeting

• Check your state's dates with the free New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California calculators.
• Bring a short list of what you want to ask for, and write down what they say.
• Your state's free Parent Center can help you get ready.

General information, not legal advice. Last checked November 8, 2026.