Which statement best describes IEP meeting attendance by school psychologists?

• A. They must attend all IEP meetings
• B. They are never invited to IEP meetings
• C. They are only invited when the student has a psychotropic medication plan
• D. They are typically invited when their input is relevant to the student's program

Answer: (D)

Attendance of school psychologists at IEP meetings is guided by relevance to the student’s program. They bring essential data on cognitive, social-emotional, and behavioral functioning and help translate evaluation results into concrete supports, services, and goals. Their presence is most valuable when this input will influence the present levels of performance, the IEP objectives, and the related services the student needs. It isn’t mandatory to attend every meeting, and it isn’t limited to cases involving medication plans; instead, they participate when their expertise will directly inform planning and implementation of the student’s IEP. In severe-profound settings, their insights into assessment results, behavior support, and mental health considerations are particularly important for shaping an effective, individualized program.