Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should the team meet?

The team should meet at least once a month after it has become established. It may be helpful and necessary to meet more often when the team is first forming. Although the team may meet regularly once a month, team members may meet to work on a task in-between meetings. It is critical that tasks are completed between meetings.

Q: How do we find the time to meet?

Finding the time to meet regularly in a proactive way will save the frustration that occurs when the team chooses to meet reactively. Having the meetings written into a child’s IEP is a good way to justify the professionals delineating the time in their schedules.

Q: What happens if there is a disagreement between team members on what strategy to implement?

If the team uses the tools outlined here to reach a decision and there is still disagreement on a given strategy, the team should rely on data. Try one strategy and collect data for an agreed-upon time and then use the data to determine whether to continue or try implementing the strategy other team members supported, again collecting data to analyze the effectiveness.

Q: Who needs to attend team meetings?

If people are asking this question, they have not bought into the process. People should want to attend because they are committed to the vision for the person. As many people as possible who are part of the child’s life and educational day should be included in the process. Typically, team membership includes all professionals who program for the child, including the paraprofessional, family members, and the child (see lecture on roles and responsibilities)

Q: Does an administrator have to be on the team?

The building administrator is often instrumental in allocating resources. Therefore it is helpful to have him/her engaged in the process. Most people are much more willing to implement and support something that they are part of creating than buying into something that is delivered to them in the form of a request.