Setting Expectations for High School Paras in Special Ed
Paraprofessionals play an essential role in high school special education classrooms. They are there to help support the teacher and students but may need to gain the experience to know exactly what to do or how to do it. In those instances, it is important to provide the para with direction to ensure they know […]
6 Doable New Years Resolutions for Teachers
I sat down this morning with my IEP coach hat on to get to work and all that was on my mind was setting resolutions for next year. Now, I am one of those people that either doesn’t set a resolution because I know it won’t happen OR I set one and by the end […]
The Difference Between SDI and Differentiation
Understanding the differences between Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and differentiation in lessons can allow special educators to work with their students effectively. So, what are the differences between SDI and differentiation, and what do they mean for special education students? Understanding SDI Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is an educational approach that focuses on individualizing the […]
A Parentโs First IEP Meeting
The first IEP meeting can be an intimidating experience for parents. It is important to remember that you know your child best and have valuable insight into their needs. Here are some tips for attending your first IEP meeting. Attending Your First IEP Meeting Gather Information Before the meeting, take some time to understand what […]
What Does Access to the Curriculum Mean?
When it comes to special ed terminology and acronyms, it is easy for families to get confused. While not all special ed terms seem like they could be confusing, some of the most common ones are. As special education professionals, it is up to us to make sure that parents and school staff understand exactly […]
Teachers: Hereโs What to Say When You Hold an IEP Meeting
Walking into any IEP meeting can feel very intimidating, but especially with your first few meetings, or when meeting with a new parent. You donโt know how to feel, how to act, or what to say. The Intentional IEP team has compiled a list of some of the things that are important for you to […]
What School Staff Needs to Know About IEPs
For special education teachers, IEPs are second nature. The acronyms make sense, the laws surrounding the documents are understood, and the necessity of providing services is a given. Not all school staff understand what IEPs are, however, and that can lead to misunderstandings and putting the school in jeopardy because services are not provided. When […]
Writing Service Minutes in an IEP
Service minutes are an important aspect of any IEP. They describe how much time a student should be getting on the specific skills that need to be addressed. Sometimes students have a significant amount of service minutes in their IEPs and, other times, the service minutes are limited. The conundrum is figuring out how many […]
A Parent Signature on an IEP and What It Means for Consent
When it comes to parents and IEPs, there is a common thought that without a signature from the student’s parents, the IEP cannot move forward or be implemented. While that may be the case in some states, that is not true for the majority of states in the country. So when and where is a […]
Advice for IEPs and 504 Plans
Managing IEPs and 504 plans is not an easy task. They are complicated, legal documents that require a lot of attention and care. If the documents are not followed there can be legal ramifications for the school. Here are some tips and advice for working with IEPs and 504 plans in the school to ensure […]
Data Collection When Short Staffed
Data collection for IEPs is important throughout the school year. When your school is short staffed, not only does it make teaching more challenging, but it also makes it more difficult to collect data. Here are some ways to manage data collection when short-staffed in the special ed classroom. As always, some of the ideas […]
The Best IEP Organization Tips
Keeping IEPs and associated paperwork organized is not easy. When you have a large caseload the amount of paperwork can quickly become overwhelming. But keeping it organized will not only save you time when looking for things, but it will also help lower your stress level. Here are some tried and tested ways to organize […]
Using Chewable Jewelry for Sensory Seeking Behaviors
Sensory-seeking behaviors are not uncommon in the special ed classroom. In fact, most of your special ed students may experience these behaviors to one degree or another throughout the school day. But what are sensory-seeking behaviors and how can chewable jewelry help students who exhibit them? Let us examine it in more depth. Understanding Sensory […]
IEP Meeting Ground Rules
Do you have established ground rules for IEP meetings? If you don’t or haven’t thought about it, you should – because IEP meetings can be tense affairs. There is often tension between the school and family which can lead to difficult meetings with a lot of emotions. While high emotions are understandable at times, there […]
How to Schedule IEP Meetings
No matter how many you have organized before, scheduling IEP meetings can be tricky! With so many schedules to coordinate and so many different things to cover, it is a challenge to make sure that everyone is on the same page. The tips below will make scheduling IEP meetings a bit easier and help you […]
The Importance of Teaching Self-Advocacy Skills
Self-advocacy or representing one’s views and interests is not something that is often focused on in teaching. Students are taught how to accomplish tasks and meet their IEP goals, but there is not much emphasis placed on teaching them how to stand up and advocate for themselves. The reality is that self-advocacy is one ofย the […]
AAC Devices Students and Teachers Love
Augmentative and altered communication (AAC) devices are a necessity for students who struggle to communicate through speech. They break down the barriers of communication and allow students to communicate with their teachers, aides, and classmates. While there are a variety of AAC devices and programs out there, there are a few that stand out. If […]
Growing List of ELA and Math Programs for Special Ed Students
Finding the right math and language arts programs to use with your special ed students can be tricky. There are always new programs being introduced and old favorites phasing out. It can be a lot to stay on top of what is available and what is not. This growing list of ELA and math programs […]
Free Autism Resources for Families
As special educators, part of our responsibility is to support families of our students. In most cases, that means directing them toward resources that are specifically designed to address their needs and the needs of their child. For families of children with autism, there are many different organizations and resources out there that can help […]
What Parents Want Teachers to Know About Their Child with an IEP
Having a child with an IEP can be an all-consuming process. Here are some things that parents want teachers to know about their child with an IEP.
5 Ways to Track Behavior Data
Tracking student behavior and keeping a record of it can be a daunting task – especially if you have a large caseload. As with all things, the method you use has to work for you and your school. Some may find that paper and pencil behavior data collection is still the way to go. Others […]
How to Use Google Forms to Track IEP Progress
Progress monitoring for IEPs is one of the most time-consuming, often dreaded aspects of special education. It is not that special educators do not want to monitor their students’ progress, but large caseloads and sometimes hundreds of IEP goals to track can be an overwhelming task. Thankfully, technology can make it easier. Here is how […]
Tips for Digital Data Collection
Collecting data is one of the most important jobs for special education teachers. It is used to measure progress on goals, helps to write IEPs, and gives teachers a sense of where students are at any given point in the school year. That being said, collecting data for all of the students on a caseload […]
IEP Teams and IEP Implementation: How to
One of the major difficulties for IEP Teams is making sure that everyone is on the same page about studentsโ goals and accommodations. We have all felt the tension of trying to keep everything and everyone up to date using a method that doesnโt force us to run papers back and forth from folder to […]
IEPs and Grade Level State Standards
When it comes time to writing IEP goals for your students that are aligned with grade level state standards, assigning standards to those goals can prove to be confusing, conflicting, and honestly – overwhelming… especially when our students are multiple grade levels behind their peers. Many educators wonder whether the standards assigned to each goal […]
IEP Handbook for Teachers
You finally sit down after a long day, only to rememberโฆ you still havenโt touched that IEP due next week. Your brainโs foggy, the legal language feels like a puzzle written in code, and youโre expected to be the translator, the coordinator, and the miracle worker. Effective communication regarding student IEPs can be a major […]
Most Important Thing to Do to Have a Smooth IEP Meeting
Weโve all been in an IEP meeting that hasnโt gone all that wellโฆ or at least weโve imagined the worst-case scenarios in our heads and done everything we can to avoid them. There of course is always an element of โpractice makes perfectโ with any part of the job, and it comes as no surprise […]
How to Handle Aggressive Parents
One of the things that does not get talked about much during teacher training is how to handle aggressive parents. While it should not be an issue, unfortunately, aggressive parents are not as uncommon. Knowing how to work with them and setting appropriate boundaries can make your life easier and less stressful. If you have […]
Accessories and Supplies Needed for an AT Consult
When doing an assistive technology (A.T.) consult, it is crucial to make sure that you have everything you need to work with students in a way that works best for them. With so many options out there, how do you make sure that you have everything you need? We compiled a list of items that […]
Tips for Staying Calm During IEP Season โ Part 2
Staying calm and organized during IEP season (or throughout the year if that’s how your school’s IEPs run) is not always easy. There is a lot to do and it can be challenging to manage it all. Below are five ways that help in the quest for calm and organization during this time of year. […]
2 IEP Goals to Help Students with Transitioning Between Tasks
Transitioning from one activity to another can be challenging for some students. Supporting them in a way that makes sense begins with including the goal in their IEP. The examples below are a great place to start to make sure that your students can effectively transition to new activities and classes with minimal assistance. Why […]
Assessments to Track Data for a New IEP
When you have a new IEP, collecting accurate and thorough data is especially important. It sets the stage for the life of the IEP and serves as a baseline for the initial services that a child will receive. So, what types of assessments are best to use and can give you the information that you’re […]
Types of Questions to Ask Parents Prior to an IEP Meeting
Preparing for an IEP meeting requires the juggling of a lot of different components. From paperwork and writing the actual IEP to communicating and documenting interactions with families and teachers, there is a lot to get done. One of the most important pieces to ensuring that the IEP meeting will run smoothly though is to […]
IEP Meeting Advice from Veteran Teachers
Running IEP meetings can be intimidating for even the most experienced teachers. When you’re a new teacher about to enter your first meeting though, it is even more overwhelming. That’s when the advice of veteran teachers is needed and appreciated. Running an IEP meeting does not have to be a scary endeavor – especially if […]
Non-Restraint Based De-escalation Strategies
As a special education teacher, having a bag of tricks for de-escalation strategies is a necessity. Knowing how to diffuse a situation and get students back on track or to a safe setting is key. While restraint-based strategies may need to be used in some cases, there are many others where non-restraint-based de-escalation strategies are […]
Supporting and Reporting On Students in the Inclusion Classroom
While an inclusion classroom may be the least restrictive environment and proper placement for a child with an IEP, reporting and supporting still need to be done. How does an inclusion teacher support and report on students in the classroom? We asked veteran teachers to share their wisdom and ideas with us on how to […]
How to Better Explain IEPs to General Ed Teachers
Explaining IEPs to those not in special education can be challenging. There is a lot of jargon and acronyms that are typically not found outside of the special ed setting. But making sure that your general education teachers understand the IEPs for the students in their classrooms is essential. We asked general ed teachers what […]
What Present Levels Are and What to Include
When writing an IEP, it is important to consider your studentโs present levels of academic and functional performance (PLAFP). This includes a studentโs approximate grade-level performance, as well as a more detailed summary of specific skills that a student can and cannot accomplish. Present levels should serve as a good source of information for both […]
Writing a Strengths-Based IEP
When tasked with writing a strengths-based IEP, it can be challenging to know what to focus on other than academics. However, as we all know, students show growth and improvement in many areas throughout the school year that have little to do with their number sense or writing ability. Instead of focusing solely on academic […]
iPad Apps That Read Text Aloud to Students
Assistive technology (AT) can make a difference for students who need special assistance. For those with reading or sight disabilities, having A.T. that reads text aloud (an accommodation) to them is a game-changer. Apple’s iPad has long been an A.T. favorite due to its ability to load different apps that can assist students with everything […]
After the Diagnosis: The Things That Have Helped the Most
The road to getting a diagnosis for a child who needs special education services can be a long and arduous one. It is often fraught with meetings, evaluations, and pushback from schools and organizations that do not always make the process easy or straightforward. Once a diagnosis has been obtained, what are the benefits? What […]
Going Over a Draft IEP with Parents
Draft IEPs are an important part of the IEP process. As the law indicates, the final IEP should not be created without the consent and presence of the IEP team – and that includes parents. But how do you go over the draft IEP in a way that makes sense for families and keeps the […]
What Goes in the Present Levels of Performance
Whether your school calls them PLOPs or PLAAFPs, the present levels of performance page indicates your studentโs current level of success. With so much data and so many options of what to include, it can be challenging to narrow it down. So, what should you include on the PLOPs page? Veteran teachers from around the […]
How Often Should You Work on IEP Goals
When it comes to IEP goals, there is no question that they must be worked on throughout the school year. But when you have a large caseload of students with multiple IEP goals, how often should you work on IEP goals for each child? Practicing IEP Goals Organizing how often students should be practicing IEP […]
Documenting Progress on IEP Behavior Goals
When students have behavior goals it is important to make sure that the documentation includes not only the behavior that the child is exhibiting but also the work that is being done to improve the behavior. But how do you document progress on the behavior goals so that it shows a true picture of the […]
How to Help General Ed Teachers Understand Their Role in an IEP
The IEP team is comprised of many different people, but not all of them understand their role in the IEP process or IEP implementation. General ed teachers role at the IEP table is crucial, but they can often be confused about what they are responsible for, when their participation in meetings is necessary, and how […]
Transitioning a Student From Elementary School to Middle School
Transitioning a student from elementary school to middle school can be a challenging task and emotionally charged time. When an IEP comes into play, there can be even more challenges as the expectations for greater independence are given by the school, but parents are used to the more intensive approach in the elementary grades. The […]
Rewards, Reinforcers, and Token Economies
Rewards, reinforcers, and token economies. What are they? What makes them the same or different? Which one works best for the special ed classroom? Let’s break down the differences and similarities and learn when the best time to use each is during the school day. Understanding Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement is powerful in any classroom, […]
The Best Ways to Store IEPs
Storing IEPs and IEP related paperwork can prove challenging when you have a large caseload of students. Figuring out the best way to store that paperwork really depends on three things: If you are not required to store physical copies of the majority of the paperwork, the storage options become broader. For those with a […]
How to Explain IEPs to Paras and Support Staff
When it comes to explaining what an IEP is, how it corresponds to a child’s education and services, and the legalities surrounding it, it’s important to get it right. Oftentimes, paras and support staff are hired without a lot of experience in special education. That means they may not be familiar with the complexities of […]
How to Keep IEP Meetings on Track
IEP meetings can be tricky. Sometimes they are filled with emotion and feel like a struggle to get through. Other times they are congenial and so friendly that they get off-topic. Being able to smoothly transition from general conversation and chit-chat back to the IEP at hand is as much of a skill as being […]
Tips for Keeping IEPs Simple from Veteran Teachers
It’s easy to get overwhelmed creating and implementing IEPs. There is so much to do, so much to remember, and so much to organize. That’s why it’s always helpful to ask veteran teachers what they have found to be the most helpful for keeping IEPs simple yet effective. If you’re struggling to simplify your IEPs, […]
4 Functions of Behavior
While not specific to special education, the four functions of behavior are often discussed and used as the basis for intervention strategies. But what are they, why are they so important to understand, and how can they help shape your intervention in the special ed classroom? Let’s look at those questions further. Defining the Four […]
What Can Go Wrong at IEP Meetings and How to Fix It
As much as we would love for IEP meetings to all run smoothly, sometimes that is just not the case. Personalities can clash, decisions on services can be disagreed about, and emotions can come into play. Being prepared to handle things that can go wrong can make the meeting run smoother and calm your nerves. […]
IEP Game Changers for Parents
A few weeks ago on Instagram, I asked our community of parents of students who have IEPs, what are some things that have really changed the game for parents or really helped parents in being a part of the IEP team? Their insight and observations can be game-changers for parents during the IEP process. Examples […]
Parents โ What to Do When You Disagree with the IEP Team
Parents often feel as though they have little input or say into what is in their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). However, the opposite is, in fact, true. By law, parents have the final say on IEPs and are equal members of the IEP Team. So what happens if a parent disagrees with the team’s […]
7 Parts of a Prior Written Notice
Prior Written Notice (PWN) must contain a comprehensive description of the action proposed (or refused) by the school system. It’s not an optional document or one with little importance. In fact, a PWN might be the most important pre-meeting document that you send home to families during the IEP process. To learn more about why […]
The Purpose of a Prior Written Notice
As special education teachers and IEP teams know, a Prior Written Notice (PWN) has to be given to the parent(s) of a child with a disability “within a reasonable time” before the LEA proposes or refuses any change to the child’s identification, evaluation, or placement – or any time the provision of FAPE is discussed. […]