What is required for a member of the IEP team to be excused from a meeting?

To excuse a member of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team from a meeting, specific protocols must be followed based on federal regulations outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). One key requirement is that if a team member cannot attend, their input must still be considered. This can typically be facilitated by having a written note or formal documentation indicating their agreement or opinions regarding the IEP’s components.

A written note from a parent can serve as a formal request that allows for the participation of other team members who can communicate the absent member's thoughts. This ensures that the IEP team can still function effectively and make decisions in the best interest of the student while respecting the member's input.

In contrast, the other options do not have the same standing in terms of formal excusal processes. For instance, a verbal agreement from an administrator might lack the necessary documentation, and a doctor's note would pertain more to health issues rather than the IEP process itself. Similarly, a written request from the student does not generally fulfill the requirements for team member attendance as outlined in IDEA. Hence, having a written note from a parent meets the established requirement for excusal while ensuring that all perspectives can still be taken into account.