Abstract
This workshop presentation will focus on best practices for presenting difficult news to parents and the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team. Specifically, it will focus on the assessment and eligibility criteria of mental retardation. This presentation will explore who should attend the IEP meeting, how the examiner should prepare emotionally and mentally, and how to begin the IEP meeting. Information will be provided on specifics that should be covered in regards to mental retardation eligibility and how to best convey that the student meets this criterion. Implications of the assessment results will be discussed as will best practice for ending the IEP meeting. It is anticipated that professionals will gain knowledge of presenting difficult news to families.