A query to the PAGElist about the acceptability of group IEP meetings resulted in this e-mail from Barbara Thrush of PDE

Chapter 16 is clear that GIEPs are to be:
· individualized, Chap. 16.1
· based on present levels information, Ch. 16.32(e)(1) and Ch. 16.41(a)
· enable acceleration, enrichment, or both as appropriate to the student, Ch. 16.2(d)(3) and Ch. 16.41(b)(3)
· go beyond the program that students would receive as part of a general education Ch. 16.1 and Ch.16.41(b)(3)
· ensure that the student is able to benefit meaningfully (demonstrate growth.... usually at least one year) from the rate, level, and manner of instruction, Ch. 16.41(b)(2)
· include specially designed instruction based on student's abilities and needs, Ch. 16.1, Ch. 16.2(d)(3), and Ch. 16.41(b)(1)
· provided in an instructional or skill area (e.g. academic subjects) Ch. 16.1

Hearing decisions and Appeal Panel decisions uphold the requirements of the regulations. See Appeal Panel opinions number 1156, 1221, 1232, and 1270 at http://www.pattan.k12.pa.us , click Dispute Resolution, click Appeal Index.
If a school district wishes to inform parents about the gifted education in the district, certainly a group meeting makes sense. It also gives parents of gifted students an opportunity to meet each other. However, group GIEPs are a violation of the Chapter 16 regulations which says at Ch. 16.2 (d)(2) that gifted education must be based on the unique needs of the student, not just on the student's classification. All parents of gifted students have the right to have an individual GIEP meeting for the purpose of developing a GIEP that is individualized for their student. The procedure for how GIEPs are to be developed may be found at Ch. 16.32.

Barbara A. Thrush
Special Education Adviser
Bureau of Special Education
333 Market St. 7th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
bthrush@state.pa.us
717-783-6881