If the Parent Walks Out…
- If they are upset and refuse to participate in the IEP meeting, the meeting can be continued without them. According to Wright’s Law: “When parents walk out of a meeting and refuse to participate, some courts have held that against them. By walking out, they waived their right to participate.”
- Best practice would be to allow them time to cool down and reschedule the meeting.
If a Team Member Needs to Leave…
- If it’s a related service provider, you’re not required at the meeting so the meeting can continue.
- If it’s a required member of the IEP team, here’s the excusal rule from Wright’s Law:
The law includes two circumstances that allow a required team member to be excused from a meeting.
- If their area of expertise will not be discussed or modified during the meeting.
- If their area will be discussed, they must submit a written report to the parent and school team members before the meeting.
As a parent,
- You may agree with the school that the team member does not need to attend because their area will not be discussed.
- You may, together with the school, consent to excuse this member whose area will be discussed and they must submit a report prior to the meeting.
Both parental agreement and consent must be in writing.
The Parent Must Give Consent for the Meeting To Continue Without Required Members
