Why are IEP meetings often uncomfortable, awkward, and stiff? Educators and families all have a common goal--to support the growth of a child. Yet educators often feel confused that families act like reluctant participants who are just fulfilling a requirement. And families often feel that they're viewed as intruders, whose insights and dreams for their child don't count. In this article, the authors explain the perspectives of both families and educators and offer recommendations for making IEP meetings into productive experiences. They describe the "IEP One-Pager," a tool that can guide IEP discussions to cut through the jargon and spark meaningful conversations.