How Does an IEP Team Decide Whether a Student Needs Related Services?
You notice a student struggling to cut, write, navigate the building, communicate what they want clearly, regulate during a classroom routine, or maybe access instruction, which leaves you to think, “Maybe they need OT.” Or maybe it’s speech, PT, counseling. But what happens next? Because truthfully, all children could benefit from therapy or additional support. […]
How to Use the Supports for School Personnel Section in an IEP
Supports for School Personnel is one of the most overlooked sections of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Many IEP teams leave this section of the IEP blank, while other teams use it without a clear purpose (and more like a grocery list). This section of the IEP is important because it explains what adults need […]
Related Services in an IEP: What Teachers Need to Know
If you’ve ever opened an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and seen Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, speech-language services, counseling, transportation, or another provider listed alongside the student’s special education services, you’ve encountered related services in an IEP. But related services aren’t simply a list of therapies a student receives at school. Under IDEA, related services are […]
Does a Medical Diagnosis Equal Special Ed Eligibility?
A student comes to school with a brand-new ADHD diagnosis, along with a note from the child’s doctor that says something along the lines of: “Student requires an IEP at school.” And suddenly everyone is looking at the special education teacher like, “Okay…so when are we writing the IEP?” …except that isn’t actually how IEP […]
5 Ways Parents Can Use AI to Feel More Confident in IEP Conversations
Learn 5 practical ways parents can use AI to better understand IEPs, prepare for meetings, and confidently advocate for their child’s needs in special education.
3 Most Difficult Parts of the IEP Process (and How to Make Them Easier)
Struggling with IEP goals, meetings, or progress monitoring? Find practical strategies and resources to make the IEP process easier and less stressful.
How Do You Fit In Data Collection?
Data collection can quickly become overwhelming when you have a large caseload. Here’s how to fit it in in a way with what you’re already doing.
Interpreter vs Translator in Special Ed: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters in IEP Meetings
Learn the difference between interpreters and translators in special education, including their roles in IEP meetings and how they support families.
Executive Function Accommodations for Students in the Classroom
Discover practical executive function accommodations for students with ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities to support organization and time management.
The Number 1 Reason Why Students Don’t Make IEP Progress
Why aren’t students making IEP progress? Learn how specially designed instruction (SDI) impacts student growth and IEP success.
The Most Common Accommodations Teachers Use in IEPs
Learn the most common IEP accommodations, how they differ from modifications, and how to choose supports that meet each student’s needs.
Time-Saving IEP Writing Tips That Veteran Teachers Swear By
Discover time-saving IEP writing tips from veteran special education teachers to streamline paperwork, stay organized, and reduce stress.
Explaining the Age of Majority and Transfer of Rights
Learn what the transfer of rights means in special education, when it happens, and how families can prepare for the age of majority.
Progress Reports 101: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding IEP Progress Reports
Learn how to read IEP progress reports, understand the difference between grades and goal progress, and know what steps to take when progress stalls.
What to Do When You Don’t Get the Evaluations Before the IEP Meeting
What should you do if evaluation reports aren’t ready before an IEP meeting? Learn practical strategies to write goals, use existing data, and navigate the process with confidence.
Data Collection 101 for Teachers
Data collection is fundamental to monitoring students’ progress in special education, particularly concerning their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Figuring out how, where, and when to collect the data can be challenging. Together we will dive into the significance of choosing the right setting for data collection, explores tools to facilitate progress monitoring, outlines step-by-step […]
How General Ed Teachers Can Advocate for Students
Learn practical ways general education teachers can advocate for students with IEPs, including collaboration strategies, accommodations, grading support, and improving student outcomes.
Who Is Responsible for What in an IEP?
Wondering who is responsible for what in an IEP? Learn how special education and general education teachers share responsibilities for accommodations, modifications, SDI, and student progress.
7 Things Parents Are Concerned About That Teachers Need to Know
Discover 7 things parents are concerned about and how teachers can build trust.
What to Do When Someone Copies Your IEP
Learn what to do when someone copies your IEP, including how to protect your work, set boundaries, and keep plans individualized.
The Steps to Creating a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
Not sure how to create a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) for your student? This post walks you through how to get it done and why it’s so important.
20 Questions to Ask at a Special Education Re-Evaluation Meeting
When your child is due for a special education re-evaluation, you may feel unsure about what to ask or how to prepare. Re-evaluations can bring up a lot of information, from test scores to eligibility decisions to possible changes in services. Asking questions during the meeting helps make sure the team is making decisions based […]
The Four Core Principles of an Effective Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA)
An effective FBA helps educators move from frustration to clarity by understanding the “why” behind student behavior.
What to Expect During a Special Education Re-Evaluation
Re-evaluations are a normal part of the special education process. Just like students grow and change over time, their needs in the classroom can change too. A re-evaluation helps the IEP team make sure that the services, supports, and goals in place are still the right fit for the student. Whether you’re a new teacher, […]
20 Questions Parents Should Ask at an Initial Special Education Evaluation Meeting
When your child is being evaluated for special education services, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to ask or how to participate in the process. Whether it’s your first time navigating an evaluation or you’ve been through this before, asking the right questions helps you better understand how decisions are made, and how to […]
Understanding the Initial Special Education Evaluation Process
When a child is struggling in school and not making progress, parents and teachers may begin to wonder if a disability could be impacting learning. That’s when an initial special education evaluation might be requested. This initial evaluation helps determine if the child qualifies for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, […]
Types of Special Education Assessments Explained
When a student goes through a re-evaluation for special education, which happens a minimum of every 3 years per the IDEA, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the testing tools and terminology. From screeners to diagnostic assessments, observations to rating scales, there are many ways the team gathers data to understand how a student […]
What to Do When IEP Meetings Go Downhill
Learn what to do when IEP meetings go downhill, including de-escalation strategies, advocacy scripts, and student-centered communication tools.
How to Fix Behavior IEP Data When Nothing Is Working
Behavior IEP goals can quickly become overwhelming, especially when a student has a lot of IEP goals and the data feels impossible to manage. Many special education teachers use frequency charts with tally marks because that is what they were taught and it’s really simple to implement. But over time, the data stops making sense. […]
What a Present Levels Is and What It Is Not
If you’ve ever sat in an IEP meeting and heard the acronym “PLOP” used as though everyone automatically understands it, you’re not alone. The PLOP, or the Present Levels section of the IEP, is one of the most important parts of an IEP – if not the most important, yet it’s also one of the […]
Top 10 Data-Driven Questions Every IEP Team Should Be Asking
IEP data should do more than sit in a folder or get copied into a progress report. Data is meant to guide instruction, inform decisions, and protect students’ access to appropriate supports. But data alone does not tell a story. The questions the IEP team asks are what turn numbers into meaning. For special education […]
Co-Regulation Techniques Every Teacher Should Be Using
When educators lead with co-regulation, students borrow our calm, build skills over time, and feel safe enough to learn.
Regression in Special Education: How to Document and Update the IEP
Noticing regression in a student can feel heavy, and maybe even a little personal. You might then start to worry about timelines, the additional paperwork, parent reactions, or what you should do next. Once data shows a true loss of skills, the first thing to remember is not to panic. We need to respond to […]
How to Write Standards-Aligned IEP Goals Without Copying the Standard
Writing IEP goals is one of the most important parts of special education. It can also be one of the most confusing and time consuming – especially when districts change how they want goals written every other school year. Add to that confusion, many IEP teams hear the words “standards aligned” and “standards based” used […]
Keeping IEPs Strength Focused and Student Centered
An IEP was never designed to be a deficit-focused document. Instead, create a strengths-focused IEP that builds on what the student does well.
Parent Rights Under IDEA Every Educator Should Know
Understanding parent rights under IDEA doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. When educators can explain them clearly, IEP meetings become more collaborative, transparent, and trusting.
7 Tips for Working with Bilingual Families in Special Education
Support bilingual parents in special education with these 7 tips to improve communication, build trust, and foster meaningful collaboration.
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 progress—without 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 preK–6th 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 they’re 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 Students
Discover 10 essential preschool IEP goals—from social skills to independence—and 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 teachers—from paper binders to AI-powered apps—to 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 screeners—from standardized to informal tools—give a full picture of student needs and guide stronger IEP goals.
Time Saving Tips for IEP Writing For Teachers
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 Students’ IEPs
Once you have your students’ IEPs in hand at the start of the school year, it can feel like you’re 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, it’s easy to forget the basics, especially when you’re juggling a full […]
What Every Special Education Teacher Needs to Know About Evaluations
When a student is struggling in school, it’s 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 there’s another part that’s 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 didn’t 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. It’s 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. It’s the reason we have IEPs, why we collect data, and why we meet as teams to […]
What Is FAPE? An IEP Team’s Guide to Free Appropriate Public Education
If you have ever sat in an IEP meeting and heard the acronym or phrase “FAPE” tossed around, you’re 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 “can’t” do or what needs to be “fixed.” But that approach doesn’t align with the values of neuro-affirming education, which seeks to honor, support, and empower students as they are—not […]
Different Types of Stims: Understanding and Supporting Self-Stimulating Behaviors
If you’ve ever noticed a student repeatedly flapping their hands, tapping a pencil, or humming to themselves throughout the day, you’ve likely witnessed a stim. Short for self-stimulatory behavior, stimming is something we all do in one form or another—but 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 checklists—they’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
Let’s be real—coping 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. We’ve 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 best—but 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 child’s 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 child’s IEP, what happens next? That’s 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 member—from 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 helpful—it’s 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 “Working to Mastery” as an IEP Accommodation
In special education, one question you may have heard asking during an IEP meeting is, “Does this student really need to complete every assignment?” And that’s where the accommodation of “working to mastery” 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 child’s annual IEP, and it is important that IEP teams begin planning for a student’s […]
A Para’s 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 […]