Preparing for the Pupil Evaluation Team (PET) Meeting
Parents are an integral part of the Pupil Evaluation Team (PET).
The school is required to make every effort to include parents
by:
- Sending prior notice at least 7 days in advance;
- Scheduling the meeting at a time and place mutually
convenient to the parents and the school; and
- Ensuring that the parents understand the proceedings
of the meeting. This might include arrangements for an interpreter
for parents who are hearing impaired or whose native language
is not English.
Parents can help facilitate the scheduling of the meeting by letting
the school know as far in advance as possible what time and place
will be most convenient for the parents. This may require some
level of flexibility if the goal is to have everyone attend.
If the school can demonstrate that it has made an effort to include
the parent, the school can still hold the meeting and decisions
can be made. The school can arrange a conference call to the PET
meeting if you let them know in advance that this will work for
you.
Parental Preparation
Parents have a major role in the PET. Decisions will be made about
the student's program that will impact the educational experience.
It is important to be prepared for the meeting so that your questions
and concerns can be addressed.
The following is a list of things parents should do before the
PET meeting. You may not get to all of them, so you may want to
choose those that are most important for your current situation:
- Review your child's educational records and Homefile
before the PET meeting.
- Understand your legal rights. Read the Procedural
Safeguards.
- Make sure you have your own copy of the Maine Special
Education Regulations (MSER), Chapter 101, dated November 1,
1999. They need to be well-worn and well read. Highlight sections
that are important to your child. Call the Maine Department
of Education (MDOE) at (207) 624-6600 to request your own copy.
- If you invite someone from outside the school district
(i.e. an independent evaluator, support person) it is a courtesy
to let the school know before the PET meeting.
- Visit your child's classroom. Watch how your child
responds to classmates, teachers and others. Does your child
interact with others, respond to directions, work independently
on assigned tasks?
- Make sure you have copies of and understand evaluations
and any other reports.
- Talk with your child before the meeting about how
they feel about school. Ask for suggestions about what might
make things work better.
FMI: See QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CHILD BEFORE
A PET MEETING on page 5.WS.1.
- Know what you want for your child. Identify goals
that you think are important.
- Prepare an agenda or list of things you need discussed
during the PET meeting. You also may want to collect information
during the meeting.
FMI: See PET NOTE TAKING FORM on pages 5.WS.2
- 5.WS.5.
- Find someone who is willing to be your support person
at the PET meeting.
- Prepare yourself to be a positive and equal member
of your child's PET.
