Facilitated Individualized Education Program (FIEP)
Facilitation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is a method of resolution that involves the use of a trained facilitator to assist an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee in developing an IEP for a student with a disability. The use of facilitated IEP meetings is an increasing statewide trend and can be an essential part of assisting the ARD committee in reaching agreements that lead to educational programs with beneficial outcomes for students with disabilities. The facilitator uses techniques to help all committee members communicate and collaborate effectively. The Texas Education Agency encourages the use of IEP facilitation as an alternate means of dispute resolution.
A facilitator supports collaboration and communication, by assisting the ARD committee with the following:
- Establishing an agenda and setting a time frame for the meeting.
- Designing a set of guidelines for the meeting.
- Guiding the group discussion to remain focused on the development of a mutually-agreed-upon IEP.
- Ensuring that each ARD committee member has an opportunity to participate.
- Resolving disagreements as they are encountered.
- Keeping the ARD committee focused on the tasks to be accomplished.