How to Meaningfully Include Students in the IEP Process 

The IEP process is designed to support students—but how often do we actually hear from them? 

During our workshop, Dr. Angel Filer emphasized that including students in their IEP meetings isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for building independence, self-awareness, and long-term success. Whether you’re working with kindergartners or high school seniors, there are ways to make student voice a meaningful part of the conversation. 

This blog explores practical strategies for involving students in their IEPs, and why it matters more than ever. 

Why Include Students? 

When students are included in the IEP process, they: 

• Gain awareness of their own learning strengths and needs 

• Develop self-advocacy and goal-setting skills 

• Take ownership of their learning and progress 

• Are more likely to engage with their services and supports 

• Build confidence as they transition to middle school, high school, and adulthood 

In short, including students helps build the soft skills that matter just as much as academics. 

What the Law Says 

Legally, students must be invited to attend their own IEP meetings when transition planning begins (typically by age 14 or earlier, depending on the state). But nothing prevents schools from involving them even earlier. 

As TouchMath’s Melissa Cook and Joanne Waltman noted in the workshop, “Just because they’re not required to be there yet doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a voice.” 

Strategies by Age Group 

Here’s how to involve students at different developmental levels: 

Elementary Students 

• Let them decorate an invitation to their IEP meeting (a tip shared by a workshop participant!) 

• Ask simple questions like: 

• What do you like best about school? 

• What’s something that’s hard for you? 

• Create a short, friendly student input form with pictures or emojis 

• Let them attend for just the first few minutes to share one strength or success 

Middle Schoolers 

• Help them fill out a student-led IEP worksheet: 

• What are my goals? 

• What helps me learn best? 

• What do I want my teachers to know? 

• Practice speaking parts aloud before the meeting 

• Let them lead one part, like introducing themselves or sharing a strength 

High School Students 

• Support them in leading their own IEP meetings 

• Help them explore transition goals: college, jobs, independent living 

• Use real-world questions like: 

• What job might you want to have? 

• What accommodations do you think you’ll need in college? 

• Discuss rights and responsibilities in high school and post-secondary environments 

Student Voice in Action 

From the workshop: “Even if they just come in for five minutes and share something they’re proud of, it changes the tone of the meeting. It reminds everyone in the room why we’re here.” 

Student input doesn’t have to be long or complex to be powerful. It can be: 

• A drawing 

• A goal they helped write 

• A short video or recording 

• A list of things that help or frustrate them in school 

The key is authenticity. Don’t force it—make it feel supportive and age-appropriate. 

Don’t Forget Functional Performance 

When students participate, you get valuable insight into their: 

• Self-awareness 

• Communication skills 

• Executive functioning 

• Social-emotional needs 

This input should directly inform the PLAAFP, transition planning, and goals. It’s not just “cute”—it’s legally and instructionally relevant. 

Making It Routine 

Build student involvement into your annual IEP prep: 

• Add “student input” to your IEP checklist 

• Develop templates or surveys to gather student thoughts (Download ours below!) 

• Offer practice sessions for students to prepare what they want to say 

• Include time on your agenda for them to participate meaningfully 

Centering student voice in the IEP isn’t an “extra.” It’s essential. When students are part of the process, the plan becomes theirs—not just something adults create about them. 

Even small steps, like asking for their thoughts or letting them attend part of the meeting, can make a lasting impact on how they see themselves as learners and advocates. 

Ready to Amplify Student Voice in the IEP Process?

Download our free, age-appropriate Student Input Forms designed for elementary, middle, and high school students. These templates make it easy to center student voice, build self-advocacy skills, and create more meaningful IEPs—starting today.