Managing Deadlines and Paperwork as a Special Education Teacher: Practical Tips for Success
Being a special education teacher comes with its own unique set of challenges, and one of the most demanding aspects of the job is managing deadlines and paperwork. Balancing planning, teaching, resource minutes, data collection, and writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can feel overwhelming. However, with effective organizational strategies and practical tips, special education teachers […]
Tips for Documenting Service Minutes for an IEP
When it comes to documenting service minutes for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), accuracy and thoroughness are crucial. The service minutes reflect the amount of time a student receives special education services, and they play a vital role in ensuring the student’s needs are met. In this blog post, we will explore some tips for […]
The Crucial Role of General Ed Teachers in an IEP Meeting
General ed teachers play a crucial role in the IEP process and IEP meetings. IEP meetings are a pivotal platform for educators, parents, and professionals to develop personalized plans for students with disabilities. While special education teachers play a significant role in these IEP meetings, it is important not to overlook the crucial contributions of […]
Writing a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) in 10 Steps
Writing a BIP or Behavior Intervention Plan can be challenging if you don’t know where to start. These ten steps can help you navigate the process. As special educators, one of our fundamental responsibilities is to support students with challenging behaviors and help them succeed in the classroom. A behavior intervention plan (BIP) is a […]
Understanding Autism IEP Goals, Objectives, and More
Autism IEP goals can, initially, seem intimidating, but they don’t have to be. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) play a pivotal role in providing tailored support and accommodations to meet the distinctive needs of students. For students with autism, the implementation of IEPs becomes particularly crucial as they aim to address the specific challenges that may […]
5 Simple Ways to Track IEP Service Minutes Each Day
As an educator involved in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), it is crucial to accurately track the service minutes provided to the student each day. Tracking IEP service minutes ensures that the student receives the appropriate support and helps in monitoring their progress. But, tracking IEP service minutes can often be a daunting task. In […]
The Power of Impact Statements in IEPs
Within the realm of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), impact statements hold immense significance in helping educators identify and address the unique needs of students with disabilities. These statements go beyond a mere acknowledgment of a student’s disability and delve into the specific ways in which it affects their learning and progress. By understanding the individual […]
7+ Ways to Share IEP Information with General Ed Teachers
Sharing students’ IEP information with their general education teachers is important. Not only do general ed teachers need to be kept in the loop as to what a student’s IEP says, but they also need the information so that they can implement what is in the IEP. But what is the most effective way of […]
What “Procedures for Collecting Data” Might Mean in Your Child’s IEP
As a parent of a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), it is crucial to clearly understand the components within your child’s plan to ensure their educational success. One such component that often raises questions is the term “procedures for collecting data.” In this blog post, we will delve into what this term means […]
10 Things to Remember When Writing IEP Goals
Writing Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals is a crucial aspect of a special education teacher’s job. These goals serve as roadmaps for students with disabilities, outlining the specific skills they need to develop and the progress they need to make. As a special education teacher, it’s essential to create IEP goals that are meaningful, measurable, […]
10 Steps in the IEP Writing Process
Writing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a crucial aspect of your role as a special education teacher. An IEP serves as a roadmap for supporting students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary accommodations and modifications to succeed academically and socially. Let’s walk through the ten essential steps in the IEP writing process, helping […]
Tracking Accommodations in the General Ed Classroom: Practical and Efficient Strategies for Special Ed and General Ed Teachers
Accommodations play a crucial role in ensuring the success of special education students in the general education classroom. These modifications and supports are designed to level the playing field and enable students with disabilities to access and participate in the curriculum. However, tracking the use of accommodations can be challenging for special and general education […]
How Students Can Help with Data Collection
As special education teachers, one of our primary goals is to ensure that our students with individualized education programs (IEPs) make progress toward their goals. Traditionally, data collection has been the responsibility of the teacher alone. However, involving students in the process not only empowers them to take ownership of their learning but also enhances […]
The Importance of Sharing Raw Data with Parents
As special education teachers, we play a vital role in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, working closely with students, parents, and other professionals. One crucial aspect that deserves our attention is sharing raw data with parents. In this blog post, we will discuss what raw data is, why it is important, why it should […]
5 Things to Do Before Your First IEP Meeting
As first year teachers, we know that the first time stepping foot into a classroom can be extremely nerve wracking. But as Special Education teachers, I think we can all agree that the most nerve wracking thing is going to be that first IEP meeting. No matter how much they teach us during our schooling, […]
19 Things Not to Say in an IEP Meeting
When we are immersed in writing IEPs, we are often focused on all the important pieces that need to be entered into the document, and we should be. There is so much to add, and we don’t want to (and actually can’t!) leave anything out. As we prepare for the actual IEP meeting, there are […]
Fostering Self-Advocacy: Discussing Accommodations and IEPs with Students
Inclusive education is crucial for students with disabilities to thrive academically and socially. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) ensure students receive the necessary accommodations and support to succeed in their educational journey. However, it is equally important for students to understand their IEPs and actively participate in discussions surrounding their accommodations. This post will delve into […]
What to Do When a Parent Doesn’t Collaborate on an IEP
Collaboration between special education teachers and parents is crucial for the success of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). However, there are instances when parents may not actively participate or collaborate in the IEP process. In this blog post, we will explore strategies that special education teachers can use when faced with challenges related to parental involvement […]
When to Include Related Services in an IEP
In special education, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) play a crucial role in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed academically and socially. One important aspect of developing an effective IEP is determining when to include related services. Related services are specialized supports and interventions that help students with disabilities fully […]
Digital Data Collection Tools for Teachers
Let’s talk data collection. It’s probably one of, if not THE most important part of our job as Special Education teachers, right? Well, besides the IEP of course. But the driving factor behind an IEP is data. Data to show if the student is making progress, data to show if the student is not making […]
How to Explain the Implementation of Service Minutes
When writing an IEP, the most important part we as Special Education teachers must adhere to are the IEP service and service minutes. If you write in the IEP that you are going to see a child 5x a week for 30 minutes, then you need to make sure you see that child 5x a […]
IEP Progress Report Red Flags for Parents to Look For
Are you a parent new to the special education world and just getting your first quarterly progress report on your child’s IEP goals? Or are you a seasoned parent who just isn’t quite sure what to look for when reviewing your child’s quarterly progress report? We’re here to help with that. One way to help […]
How to Send Home a Proposed IEP Draft
How often do you find that when you are in an IEP meeting, the parents have questions about what is included in the IEP or have questions regarding the goals, data, or maybe they just need a bit more clarity. Probably more than you would think, right? One way to help alleviate that stress and […]
7 Clarifying Questions Teachers Should Ask at an IEP Meeting
Positive and productive IEP meetings lay the groundwork for better student outcomes, but when team opinions clash and emotions run high, a meeting can fall apart before you know it. Sometimes, having a neutral third-party facilitator can make all the difference in the success of a meeting. Being sure to have a facilitated IEP meeting […]
A Step-by-Step Guide to Graphing Special Ed Data from a Google Form
Graphs are powerful visual tools that help us understand and interpret data. If you’ve collected data for your special ed students using a Google Form and want to present it in a clear and engaging way, graphing is the way to go. Today, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of graphing data from […]
When to Write IEPs with No Planning Period
As a special education teacher, writing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) is one of the most critical tasks you’ll do throughout the school year. An IEP outlines a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and goals and serves as a legal document that provides direction for their education. However, as a special education teacher, finding the time to write […]
Books You’d Recommend to Another Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers play a crucial role in the lives of students with diverse needs. From learning disabilities to physical impairments, special educators work tirelessly to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. One way for special education teachers to enhance their skills and knowledge is to read books for teachers written by experts in […]
Keeping Track of Your Professional Development
As a special education teacher, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the field is important. One way of doing this is by completing professional development hours each year. However, keeping track of these hours can be challenging, especially when juggling a busy schedule and other responsibilities. In this article, there are […]
Improving the IEP Meeting Experience for Parents
Attending an IEP meeting as a parent can be a scary and emotional experience. Parents want to make sure that their children are given every opportunity to succeed, and they are a vital part of a child’s IEP team. It’s our job as educators to make parents feel heard and to let them know that […]
How to Get Teacher Buy In for IEP Collaboration
Getting your general education teachers to buy in for IEP collaboration can be a daunting task. However, the outcome can be incredibly rewarding if it is done correctly. Here are ten tips to help make sure that your staff members feel comfortable and prepared to collaborate on IEPs. 1. Provide Training Before any collaborations take […]
Must-Have Para Trainings
Paras in the special education classroom are essential for helping students reach their full potential. To ensure that paras can provide quality support to their students, it is vital that they receive regular training on a range of topics. Here are seven para trainings to consider: Para Trainings for the School Year 1. Classroom Management […]
When You Don’t Feel Heard at an IEP Meeting: What to Do
Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings can be stressful for both parents and educators. The goal of the meeting is to discuss the student’s needs and come up with a plan that meets those needs. However, sometimes one may not feel heard in these meetings, which can be frustrating and discouraging. If you find yourself in […]
Which Work Samples to Keep in Special Ed
As a special education teacher, keeping work samples for each student is important. These work samples serve as evidence of the student’s progress and can also be used to set goals, track growth, and inform future instruction. So, what types of work samples should you keep for your students in special education? Is there a […]
What to Do When an IEP Isn’t Being Followed
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document that outlines the educational needs of students with disabilities. The purpose of an IEP is to ensure that every child has access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that meets their unique needs. It is a legally binding document that the school must follow. Unfortunately, […]
The 8 Executive Functions
In the field of education, there are things known as executive functions. Executive functions are defined as cognitive processes that control, regulate and manage other cognitive processes. They allow people to prioritize tasks, plan ahead, and organize their thoughts and actions. These skills can be especially beneficial for children with learning differences or disabilities in […]
Pre-referral Screeners to Assess Students
A pre-referral screener is a tool that is used to identify students who may be struggling academically or behaviorally. Pre-referral screeners can be used to help educators make decisions about whether or not to refer a student for special education services. Pre-referral Screeners There are many different types of pre-referral screeners available, each with its […]
The Importance of IEP Input Forms
Schools develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). The IEP document serves as a plan that outlines a student’s specific educational goals and objectives and the services that will be provided to help the student reach those goals. Writing an effective IEP requires thoughtful […]
Tips for Getting All The IEP Paperwork Done
Getting all of the IEP paperwork done can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With some preparation and planning, you can ensure everything is completed on time and correctly. In this article, we’ll provide some tips for getting your IEP paperwork done quickly and efficiently so that you can focus on […]
Battling IEP Writing Burnout
Writing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also lead to burnout. IEP writing requires a great deal of time and energy, and the process of creating meaningful plans for each student can become draining over time. Fortunately, there are steps that educators can take to fight against IEP […]
IEP Meeting Management Tips
IEP meetings can be a time of great stress for parents and educators. With so much on the line, it’s important to make sure that the meeting runs as smoothly as possible. To help ensure success, we have compiled some tips for managing an IEP meeting so that all parties involved feel heard and respected […]
Benefits of Using Digital and Paper and Pen Data Collection Methods
Collecting data for special education students is an important part of the educational process. In order to accurately assess their progress and make informed decisions, it’s essential that teachers and administrators have access to accurate, up-to-date information. Unfortunately, collecting this data can be a challenge – especially for teachers with large caseloads. From paper and […]
Where to Put Toileting Help in an IEP
As a special ed teacher, you know that individualized education programs (IEPs) are an essential part of helping all students achieve the best outcomes possible. One area within IEPs that can sometimes cause confusion is where to list toileting help. Here we will address exactly where toileting help should go for your student’s IEP, so […]
Unwritten Teacher Rules of IEP Writing
As a special ed teacher, you know that student success starts with the IEP. But what are some key steps you should follow when writing IEPs? There’s a lot of advice from experts on best practices for writing Individuals Educational Plans (IEPs). Still, much of it relies on unwritten rules that veteran teachers have used […]
Writing Strengths-Based Statements in the Present Levels
Writing strengths-based statements is an integral part of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) procedure for special education teachers. But it can be quite challenging to identify which capabilities and talents should be featured in strength statements, specifically because needs must always direct goals, and goals drive services. So let’s break it down together. What are Strengths-Based […]
What is a Fidelity Check?
Fidelity checks are an essential part of special education, ensuring that teaching and supporting practices align with best practices. A fidelity check is a systematic review that takes place to measure the accuracy and consistency of implementation for a particular practice or intervention. It can provide important feedback about how well programs, interventions, and strategies […]
Why It’s Important to Meet with General Ed Teachers Prior to IEP Writing
When writing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student, it is important to meet with general ed teachers ahead of time. This consultation can provide invaluable insights into the feasibility of accommodations and modifications that may be necessary for the student, as well as information on any potential time limits or class size restrictions […]
Understanding “X of Y Trials”
Understanding special ed jargon can be challenging! With so many acronyms and a language all its own, even the most seasoned teachers need clarification. When it comes to IEP writing, one of the most common phrases refers to the number of times a student should show mastery of a skill. It is usually referred to […]
Skills to Add to Transition Surveys
When planning to transition from school to life after school, it is important for students with special needs to learn certain skills. These skills can help them have a successful and independent life. Some of the skills that should be included in a transition survey include the overarching skills of communication, self-advocacy, problem-solving, time management, […]
What is Differentiation in Education?
Differentiation in education is a concept that refers to the instruction and assessment of students based on their individual learning needs. Differentiated instruction allows educators to provide each student with a personalized learning experience, allowing them to work at their own pace, move ahead faster or slower than their peers, and set challenging goals for […]
Explaining ESY to Parents in an IEP Meeting
Extended school year (ESY) services are specialized educational supports for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). ESY services provide additional learning support to help them make meaningful progress in their overall academic and social-emotional development. These services can be delivered outside of the traditional school year, such as during summer months or holidays, and […]
Different Types of IEP Meetings
When we talk about IEP meetings, we are most commonly talking about the annual IEP meeting where services and goals are updated or introduced to help a student over the course of the next calendar year. While those are the most common type of IEP meetings, there are other types of meetings that fall under […]
What to Do Before, During, and After an IEP Meeting
As special education teachers, we have a lot on our minds when we are preparing for IEP meetings! And sometimes after the meeting is done, we are so busy getting back to the business of teaching that we forget to follow up on some crucial IEP details. Did you ever wish that there was a […]
7 Reasons to Use an IEP Goal Bank
Writing an individualized education plan (IEP) that meets the needs of each student can be a daunting task -especially when you have a large caseload! Fortunately, educators have access to IEP goal banks that can help them easily create accurate and up-to-date IEPs tailored to their students’ specific learning objectives. By using IEP goal banks, […]
5 Ways to Collect Data from General Ed Teachers
Special education teachers need input from general ed teachers when developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Gathering information from the general ed teacher in a timely and efficient manner is critical for designing educational plans that fit each student’s unique needs. But getting that information is not always easy when everyone’s time is limited. Here […]