Prioritizing IEP Goals: Why Fewer Goals Lead to Better Student Progress
Learn why prioritizing IEP goals leads to stronger instruction, better data collection, and real student progressโwithout overwhelming teams.
How to Make Data Collection a Natural Part of Your Lessons
Make IEP data collection part of your lessons, not extra work. Learn simple strategies to collect meaningful data while you teach.
Is This IEP Goal Too Ambitious? How to Use Baseline Data to Find the Right Answer
Not sure if an IEP goal is too ambitious for your student? The only way to know is to look at the baseline data. Here’s how to start.
The Best Math Screeners and Diagnostics for Special Education
Explore the best math screeners and diagnostics for special education, plus find ready-to-use preKโ6th tools inside The Intentional IEP.
The Best Time-Saving Tricks for IEP Meetings
Discover the best time-saving tricks for IEP meetings. Learn how to prep efficiently, stay organized, and make meetings run smoother.
What Makes a Good Hygiene IEP Goal
Hygiene IEP goals build independence and confidence. Learn when theyโre appropriate, how to write them, and tips for measurable success.
The Pros and Cons of Using AI to Help with IEP Writing
There are a lot of pros and cons to using AI in the classroom. Do the pros outweigh the cons? Find out here!
IEP Goals for Preschool
Discover 10 essential preschool IEP goalsโfrom social skills to independenceโand learn how to track progress while supporting whole-child growth.
What is Age Anchoring and What Does It Mean for IEP Writing?
What is age anchoring and why is it so important for IEP goal writing? Learn more about it here and get tips for explaining it to your team.
A Growing List of Progress Monitoring Tools for Teachers
Explore a growing list of progress monitoring tools for teachersโfrom paper binders to AI-powered appsโto track student growth with ease.
How to Break Down IEP Goals to Help Students Learn
Learn how to break down IEP goals into clear, manageable steps using tools like the IEP Matrix to support student success and growth.
Assessments and Screeners for IEP Present Levels Data
Discover how assessments and screenersโfrom standardized to informal toolsโgive a full picture of student needs and guide stronger IEP goals.
Time-Savings Tips for IEP Writing
Save time on IEP writing with organization tips, parent input strategies, and powerful tools to streamline meetings and create stronger, faster plans.
Why Every Teacher Needs an IEP Lesson Planner
Discover how an IEP lesson planner helps special education teachers stay organized, track goals, and support students effectively all year long.
How to Prioritize IEP Goals for Students with a Wide Range of Needs
Learn how to prioritize IEP goals effectively for students with diverse needs. Discover practical strategies to focus on foundational skills, use task boxes, and streamline goal practice in special education.
Helping Students Build Independence in Learning
Helping students build independence in learning is one of the most important things you can do. Here are some ways to make it happen!
Tips for Building Rapport with Related Service Providers
Building rapport with related service providers makes not only your job easier, but their job easier as well! Here are some ideas to make it happen!
The Difference Between Parent-Teacher Conferences and IEP Meetings
Overwhelmed by the special ed process and meetings? Learn the difference between parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings here!
What is a Stay Put IEP?
Not sure what a “stay put” IEP is? Here’s everything you need to know!
Understanding Push-In vs Pull-Out Services on an IEP
When IEP teams talk about least restrictive environment, the conversation often gets stuck on one question.Where will the services happen? Push-in or pull-out. But Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is not just about the room a student is in. It is about how IEP supports are provided, who provides it, and what skills are being taught […]
What to Do Once You Have Your Studentsโ IEPs
Once you have your studentsโ IEPs in hand at the start of the school year, it can feel like youโre staring down a mountain of paperwork, deadlines, and responsibilities. The truth? That first week or two is all about building a strong foundation. What you do now sets the tone for the rest of the […]
From Support to Independence: How to Fade IEP Supports the Right Way
Fading supports is one of the most important parts of special education, yet it is commonly one of the most overlooked. As special education teachers, we work hard to provide supports, accommodations, prompts, and help that students need to access learning. But what happens next is just as important. If supports are never faded, students […]
Simple Home Activities to Support Executive Functioning in Special Education
Executive functioning is a set of mental skills that help students manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions so they can get things done. These skills are important because they help children plan ahead, stay organized, follow directions, and manage time. For students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or other learning needs, executive functioning challenges can […]
Why Teacher Self Regulation Is the Key to Student Behavior Support
Co-regulation is one of the most powerful tools we have in special education, yet it is rarely written into plans or talked about during IEP meetings. Teachers often focus on teaching students how to self regulate their emotions and behaviors. What we forget is that self regulation does not happen first. It grows out of […]
Special Education Basics: The 13 Disability Categories Explained
When it comes to writing strong Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and understanding eligibility, knowing the 13 disability categories under IDEA is key. These categories help determine if a student qualifies for special education services. But with so much paperwork and so many acronyms, itโs easy to forget the basics, especially when youโre juggling a full […]
What Every Special Education Teacher Needs to Know About Evaluations
When a student is struggling in school, itโs important to figure out why, and one way to do that is through a special education evaluation. These evaluations help schools learn more about how a child thinks, learns, and behaves so that the right supports can be put in place to help the child succeed. Whether […]
How to Use Explicit Instruction to Support IEP Goals
When it comes to helping students with disabilities succeed, not all teaching methods are created equal. One of the most effective teaching strategies in special education is explicit instruction. It is clear, direct, and leaves little room for confusion. If you’re a special education teacher or a member of an IEP team, understanding how to […]
IEP Goals and Accommodations to Improve Tardies and Attendance
Tardies and attendance can impact a students’ success in school. Here are some ideas for goals and accommodations that might help.
How to Emotionally Disarm Parents During IEP Meetings for Stronger Collaboration
When it comes to writing and holding IEP meetings, special education teachers often focus on the paperwork, timelines, and goals. But thereโs another part thatโs just as important: building trust with families. Many parents come to the IEP table feeling overwhelmed, scared, or even angry. They may have had past experiences where they didnโt feel […]
7 Easy Scaffolding Examples That Support IEP Goals
Scaffolding in special education is a teaching strategy that gives students the support they need to learn new skills, concepts, or tasks until they’re ready to do it on their own. Think of it like the scaffolding around a building under construction. It holds things up, provides structure, and slowly gets taken down as the […]
Tracking IEP Progress: A Step-by-Step Look at the Data Analysis Process
In special education, data analysis is more than just looking at numbers on a chart. Itโs how we tell if a student is making progress, if our teaching strategies are working, and whether the IEP goals we wrote are the right fit. By looking closely at student performance over time, we can make smart decisions […]
Understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
If you are a special education teacher or part of an IEP team, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Ac, better known as IDEA, is the law you live and breathe by. IDEA is the foundation of special education. Itโs the reason we have IEPs, why we collect data, and why we meet as teams to […]
What Is FAPE? An IEP Teamโs Guide to Free Appropriate Public Education
If you have ever sat in an IEP meeting and heard the acronym or phrase โFAPEโ tossed around, youโre not alone. But understanding what FAPE really means is essential for advocating for your students and ensuring they receive the supports and services they’re legally entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In […]
How to Write Neuro-Affirming IEPs
As our understanding of neurodiversity deepens, so should our approach to writing IEPs. Traditional Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) often focus heavily on what a student โcanโtโ do or what needs to be โfixed.โ But that approach doesnโt align with the values of neuro-affirming education, which seeks to honor, support, and empower students as they areโnot […]
Different Types of Stims: Understanding and Supporting Self-Stimulating Behaviors
If youโve ever noticed a student repeatedly flapping their hands, tapping a pencil, or humming to themselves throughout the day, youโve likely witnessed a stim. Short for self-stimulatory behavior, stimming is something we all do in one form or anotherโbut for neurodivergent individuals, especially those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences, stimming plays a […]
The Different Types of IEP Meetings Explained
If you’re a special education teacher or the parent of a student with an IEP, you already know that IEP meetings are more than just paperwork and checklistsโthey’re conversations that shape a child’s education. Whether sitting at the school conference table, logging into Zoom, or hopping on a quick phone call, these meetings are where […]
Understanding the 7 Cognitive Processes of a Special Education Evaluation
What every teacher should know about how we assess how students think, learn, and process information in regard to the 7 cognitive processes.
Functional Skills to Write IEP Goals For
Functional skills need IEP goals. Learn why they’re important and how to help your students gain the independence they’ll need.
Good vs. Bad Coping Strategies for Kids
Letโs be realโcoping skills are life skills. And for our students, especially those facing challenges related to trauma or executive functioning delays, those skills can make or break their day. Weโve all seen it: one student shuts down when they get a math problem wrong, another lashes out when asked to transition, and yet another […]
Better Ways to Schedule IEP Meetings and Manage Sub Coverage: What Works in Real Schools
Managing sub coverage and scheduling IEP meetings can be overwhelming. Here’s how to make it easier.
20 Foundational Emotional Regulation Skills Every Student Needs
Emotional regulation is the ability to manage feelings in a way that is safe, age-appropriate, and helpful in learning and life. For special education teachers and IEP teams, this skill set is essential. Students who struggle with emotional regulation may have difficulty following directions, solving problems, or staying calm during transitions. When these skills are […]
10 Questions IEP Team Members Wish They Had Answered Before the IEP Meeting
Walking into an IEP meeting without the right information feels a lot like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Parents feel overwhelmed, teachers feel rushed, and everyone around the table is trying their bestโbut sometimes, crucial details slip through the cracks. That’s why preparing thoughtful questions before the meeting can transform the experience […]
Compensatory Education Services: Understanding Support When FAPE Falls Short
When a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) doesn’t receive the services they are legally entitled to, the impact can ripple far beyond missed sessions or delayed support. It can mean lost progress, stalled development, and real emotional and academic consequences. Compensatory education services are designed to help fill those gaps. Rooted in the […]
How to Identify and Support Acquisition and Performance Deficits in IEPs
In special education, knowing how students learn and why they struggle is key to writing strong IEPs. One area that often gets overlooked is the difference between acquisition deficits and performance deficits. These terms may sound similar, but they mean very different things. And understanding them can completely change how we support our students, both […]
Understanding IQ Scores for IEP Evaluations
When it comes to supporting students with disabilities, knowing how IQ scores work can be a helpful part of the process. IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is often used to help determine a childโs cognitive abilities. For special education teachers and IEP teams, understanding IQ ranges and how they connect to evaluations and eligibility for services […]
What is Alternate State Testing?
As a parent or teacher of a student with special needs, navigating the world of standardized testing can be confusing and overwhelming. You may have heard about Alternate State Testing and wondered what it is, how it works, and whether it applies to your child or student. In this post, we’ll break it down in […]
From Interventions to Evaluations: Comparing RTI, MTSS, and the Discrepancy Model
When it comes to identifying students who need extra help, there are a few different systems schools use to decide what support a child might need and when special education should be considered. Three of the most common models are RTI, MTSS, and the Discrepancy Model. Understanding the difference between RTI, MTSS, and the Discrepancy […]
How Child Find Protects Students with Disabilities in Public Schools
If you’re a special education teacher or part of an IEP team, understanding Child Find is one of the most powerful tools you have to support students. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Child Find is a legal requirement that ensures all children with disabilities are identified, located, and evaluated to determine if […]
Stay Put Rights Under IDEA: How to Keep IEP Services During a Dispute
When parents disagree with changes proposed to their childโs IEP, what happens next? Thatโs where the Stay Put provision in special education comes in. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Stay Put IEP rights protect students by allowing them to remain in their current IEP placement and services while disputes are being resolved. […]
IEPs and Confidentiality: A Look at FERPA and HIPPA
Understanding the difference between FERPA and HIPAA in special education is essential for every IEP team memberโfrom special education teachers and related service providers to administrators and general education staff. When it comes to handling student records, IEP documents, and confidential information, knowing who can access what (and when) is not just helpfulโitโs legally required. […]
17 Benefits of Sending Home a Draft IEP (Present Levels + Proposed Goals) Before the Meeting
Sending home a draft IEP can go a long way to helping parents understand and advocate for their child before the IEP meeting.
How to Invite General Ed Teachers to an IEP Meeting
Inviting general education teachers to Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings is essential for creating effective support plans for students with disabilities. These meetings are critical for ensuring that students receive the accommodations they need to thrive. While special education teachers, administrators, and service providers play vital roles, general education teachers offer important insights about the […]
Collaboration Tips for IEP Teams
Struggling to get everyone on the IEP team on the same page? These collaboration tips for IEP teams will make it easier!
How to Ensure Student Progress with a Large Caseload
Managing a large caseload in special education is no small feat. With 30 or more students, each having multiple Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, ensuring that every student makes progress can feel overwhelming. The key is organization, efficiency, and strategic planning. While no system is perfect, there are many ways to structure your workflow to […]
What are Replacement Behaviors and How to Teach Them
Teaching students replacement behaviors can be challenging but it can give them the skills they need to succeed academically and socially.
Organizing IEP Goals to Make Them Easily Accessible
Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals are at the heart of special education, guiding instruction, progress monitoring, and student success. However, keeping these goals organized and easily accessible in the classroom can be challenging, especially when balancing multiple students with varying needs. Whether you’re a special education teacher, paraprofessional, or related service provider, having an efficient […]
How to Use โWorking to Masteryโ as an IEP Accommodation
In special education, one question you may have heard asking during an IEP meeting is, โDoes this student really need to complete every assignment?โ And thatโs where the accommodation of โworking to masteryโ often comes in. This accommodation can help students focus on deep understanding, not just checking off tasks. It allows students to continue […]
IEP Compliance 101: How to Follow the Law and Protect Student Privacy
IEP compliance is one of the most important responsibilities for special education teachers and IEP team members. It means following the laws, timelines, and requirements that protect the rights of students with disabilities and ensure their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are carried out as written. IEP compliance isn’t just about paperwork or checking boxes. It’s […]
How to Write Trauma-Informed Goals
Writing trauma-informed goals can make a significant difference in a student’s progress and overall well-being. Here’s how to write them.
How to Write the Transition Section of an IEP
Transition services must be addressed no later than the first IEP that will be in effect when the child turns 16, according to the IDEA (in some states it starts earlier). The transition services must be updated annually with the childโs annual IEP, and it is important that IEP teams begin planning for a studentโs […]
A Paraโs Role in Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)
Paraprofessionals play a crucial supportive role in delivering Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) under the direct supervision of certified special education teachers. While they do not and can not plan or initiate SDI, they can reinforce and practice skills with students to help them achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Let’s take a look at […]
The Connection Between Learned Helplessness and Critical Thinking Skills
As a teacher, you may experience a child exhibiting learned helplessness. If you’ve ever heard, “I can’t do this,” “I don’t even care,”I can’t do it, just show me what to do,” or “I’m not good at this” then you’ve experienced learned helplessness within a student. Learned helplessness occurs when a child repeatedly experiences failure […]
How to Effectively Communicate with Multiple Paras
Managing a classroom with multiple paraprofessionals (paras) can be both a blessing and a challenge. But how do you communicate with multiple paras throughout the school day? Ensuring that everyone is informed, organized, and working efficiently requires clear and consistent communication. With different schedules, responsibilities, and the unique needs of each student, it’s essential to […]
25 Myths and Facts About IEPs
The myths and facts about IEPs never seem to end. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) process is a cornerstone of special education, yet it’s often misunderstood. Those misunderstandings can create unnecessary anxiety for parents, educators, and students in a situation that’s already stressful. Let’s bust 25 common myths about IEPs and uncover the facts that […]
Tips for Partnering with Parents Who Seem Disengaged from IEPs
In special education, strong parent-teacher relationships are a key part of Individualized Education Program (IEP) success. But what happens when parents donโt respond, donโt show up for meetings, or seem like they donโt want to be involved at all? It can feel frustrating, especially when you’re doing everything you can to connect. The truth is, […]
How to Share IEPs with Team Members the Right Way
When it comes to supporting students with disabilities, every member of the IEP team needs to be on the same page. Thatโs where shared access to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) becomes essential. But what does shared access actually mean and how do we make sure it follows FERPA laws and protects student confidentiality? Together, […]
What to Do When an IEP Isnโt Being Followed
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document designed to support the unique needs of students with disabilities. When an IEP isnโt being followed, it can significantly impact a studentโs educational progress and well-being. Whether youโre a parent or a teacher, there are steps you can take to address this issue effectively. Hereโs […]
25 Questions IEP Teams Should Ask When Transition Planning
Transition planning is essential for students with disabilities because it prepares them for life after high school, ensuring they have the skills, resources, and confidence to succeed independently in their next stage of life. Without a structured plan, students may struggle with further education, employment, and independent living tasks, leading to decreased opportunities and independence. […]
Why Exemplary General Education Practices Arenโt Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)
Let’s face it – students can receive accommodations and differentiation within the General Education setting, but that does not mean it is Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). In fact, it isn’t. In today’s blog post, we’re going to break down the differences between what SDI is and what SDI is not. What are General Education Practices? […]
How to Use Task Analysis and Collect Data in the Special Education Classroom
Teaching life skills, routines, and academic tasks in special education often requires breaking things down into small, manageable steps. And thatโs where using a task analysis comes in to be your new best friend. A task analysis is a powerful instructional strategy that helps students with disabilities learn complex skills by teaching one step at […]
Questions the IEP Team Should Answer for Parents
Being a parent of a child with special needs lends itself to having a lot of questions and being an advocate. But sometimes, even the IEP can be confusing or there can be questions that parents have that relate to services. So, what is the IEP team’s responsibility in terms of which questions to answer […]
Navigating New to You IEPs
Have you ever inherited an IEP? We’ve all been there, and it can be tricky to navigate a new student on your caseload. So, what should you do first with a new to-you IEP so that you and the student can both be successful? We have broken it down into easy steps so make sure […]
Mainstreaming VS. Inclusion: Whatโs the Difference?
The terms mainstreaming and inclusion in education are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same – each having its own distinct meaning and approach to integrating students with disabilities into general education settings. What is Mainstreaming? Mainstreaming refers to placing students with disabilities in general education classrooms only when they can meet traditional […]
Administratorโs Role in Transition Planning
Administrators play a critical role in ensuring that transition planning is effective, legally compliant, and student-centered. Their leadership helps create an inclusive, supportive environment where students with disabilities receive the services and resources needed to succeed in post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. Here are 7 ways administrators can support IEP teams during transition planning: […]
Creating a Safe Space for Parents During an IEP Meeting
When parents attend Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, they often come with a mix of hope, anxiety, and uncertainty. It can be a scary time for them. Creating an environment where they feel safe and valued to ask questions is crucial for the success of these sessions. Here are effective strategies to encourage parent participation […]