Transcript Making the most of Minutes - ESC-20

February 15, 2012
Effective Deliberations:
Why do minutes matter?
Legal Standard
5th
Circuit
Court of
Appeals
(1997)
4 factor test for FAPE:
1. Individualized program
2. LRE
3. Service provided in coordinated
and collaborative manner
4. Demonstrated academic and nonacademic benefits
Cypress-Fairbanks v. Michael F.
Legal Standard
19 T.A.C. §
89.1050(e).
The written report of the ARD committee
shall document the decisions of the
committee with respect to the issues
discussed at the meeting.
MINUTES MATTER
Don’t
• Skimp
• Prepare minutes in advance
• Create a transcript
• Include administrative explanations
•
MINUTES MATTER
Do
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•
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Ask for Parent input
Identify Parent’s response
Explain alternatives
Identify decisions (note Parent agreement or
disagreement)
Identify promises and commitments
Parent Input
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Minutes must reflect decisions, not just conversations
Make sure that each discussion of alternatives
results in a decision
Identify Parent’s response to a request for
agreement
Promises, promises…


Who is responsible for ensuring that promises and
commitments are met?
Purely Administrative promises should not be
included
Practical Tips
Quality Instead of Quantity
Document responsiveness
Document consideration of assessment
Document collaboration
Tips…
Document benefits
Distinguish discussions from decisions
Identify issues of disagreement
Document LRE consideration
Tips…
Seek agreement as you go
Allow Parent to attach a written statement
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