EP Meeting Game Plan: Drafts, Present Levels, Goals, LRE & Services

Walking into an IEP meeting without a plan is how we end up tabling, redoing, and wasting time. In today’s TT Lunch Live, Karen lays out her exact meeting modality—what to request, what to review, and how to build an EPIC IEP that actually drives progress.What we cover:The four documents Karen always has open: last FIE, 36 weeks of progress reports, last annual IEP, and the current draftHow to open the meeting (hint: don’t jump straight to present levels)Building pristine, prescriptive, “puffy” Present Levels (strengths, needs, and input from everyone who provides an educational product)Elevating parent concerns into the Present Levels (34 CFR §300.324) instead of burying them in deliberationsLRE ≠ “get back to general ed”; understanding continuum of placements (34 CFR §300.115) and why resource still existsBuilding the Schedule of Services after Present Levels, Goals, Accommodations, and LRE are solidPractical advocacy: creating a “Zach Pack,” sharing the IEP with all teachers (including electives), and partnering with staffResources mentioned:Pre-order Karen’s new book The Epic IEP + unlock bonuses: https://theepiciep.comFederal regulations online (eCFR) and IDEA references (e.g., §300.324 review/revise IEP; §300.115 continuum of placements)Call to ActionJoin The Academy for weekly, no-fluff training and Q&A: https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/aboutQuestions? Email: [email protected] and share this episode with a friend at the IEP/504 table.“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources🔗 Learn more at The Epic IEP™ Academy  First month free, after that, cancel anytime. 📱 Follow Karen on:TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationbossYouTube: Special Education Academy🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)Because when...