This issue of NASET’s IEP Component series:

Operating on the premise that the student with a disability—who is the focus of all this discussion and planning— may have something vital to contribute to planning his or her educational program and future, IDEA clearly provides for the child’s inclusion in, and participation on, the IEP Team whenever appropriate. Specifically, IDEA provides that the public agency must include the child with a disability at the IEP meeting “whenever appropriate, and requires that the child be invited to attend the meeting “if the purpose of the meeting will be the consideration of the postsecondary goals for the child and the transition services needed to assist the child in reaching those goals” [§300.320(b)]. As you can see, if transition goals and services are going to be discussed, the student with a disability must be invited to attend the meeting. This issue of NASET’s IEP Components series will address issues pertaining to a student with a disability on the IEP Team.