School meeting preparation
A short agenda helps keep a difficult conversation focused.
Ontario preparation guide
1. Before the meeting
Confirm its purpose, participants and length. Ask what material will be discussed and arrange any communication or accessibility supports.
2. Choose three priorities
Begin with the child’s strengths. List the most pressing barriers and a concrete example of each. Keep unrelated issues for a separate discussion.
3. Prepare useful questions
What support is being used? Who is responsible? What does progress look like? When will we review it? Which questions need a different decision-maker?
4. During the meeting
Ask for unfamiliar terms to be explained. Check your understanding before responding. Request a break if you need time to think.
5. Close with next steps
Read back the actions, responsibilities and dates. Clarify any disagreement without implying that silence means consent.
6. After the meeting
Send a short factual follow-up through the agreed school channel. Invite corrections, save the response and revisit the actions at the agreed time.
General preparation information, not legal advice. Keep personal notes secure.
Further reading: Ontario: Individual education plans