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 […]
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 Parent’s 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: Here’s 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 don’t 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 of 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 students’ goals and accommodations. We have all felt the tension of trying to keep everything and everyone up to date using a method that doesn’t 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 remember… you still haven’t touched that IEP due next week. Your brain’s foggy, the legal language feels like a puzzle written in code, and you’re 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
We’ve all been in an IEP meeting that hasn’t gone all that well… or at least we’ve imagined the worst-case scenarios in our heads and done everything we can to avoid them. There of course is always an element of “practice makes perfect” 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 – 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 student’s present levels of academic and functional performance (PLAFP). This includes a student’s 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 student’s 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 – 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. […]
Ideas for Working on Executive Functioning IEP Goals at Home
Executive functioning skills are those that are used every day to navigate life. They include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. Without strong executive functioning skills, students can struggle with focusing, handling emotions, and following directions in order to get their work done. For those reasons, it is important that working on executive functioning skills […]
Transition Resources for Teachers
Transitioning from high school to the world can be a stressful thing for many students. Going from a setting where decisions are made for them and things are readily provided to the outside world where they must be able to fend for themselves or with limited assistance is scary. That’s why having solid transition services […]
How to Include a Para in the IEP Writing Process
The IEP writing process is challenging enough, but when you do not use your secret weapon to help you, it can be even more difficult. What secret weapon, you ask? Your para. Working with paraprofessionals is arguably one of the most challenging aspects of the job of a special education teacher. Managing other adults – […]
Understanding the IEP Meeting Toolkit
There comes a point in your special ed teaching career when you realize that there has to be a better way to do things. A better way to schedule meetings. A better way to organize meeting attendees. A better way to gather the information you need to write a comprehensive IEP that will best serve […]
Writing a 1:1 Support Para into an IEP
Do your students need paraprofessional support to succeed in the general ed setting? If so, it is a good idea to write it in their IEP. Here’s how and where to make sure it is documented. Including Paraprofessional Support Wording in an IEP For some districts, including para support in an IEP is commonplace. In […]
Can a Student Have an IEP and a 504 Plan?
If you have been in the field of special education for any amount of time, you have heard the terms 504 Plans and IEPs. IEPs are covered under IDEA, special education law, and are created to aid the child in learning. 504 Plans are covered under civil rights law and do not address learning goals […]
8 IEP Red Flags
When you get a new-to-you IEP there are always warning signs to watch out for, both as a parent and as a teacher. Signs that the IEP was not written correctly or that there was little fidelity when implementing it are always red flags. Below are some of the most common things to watch out […]
What to Do After Collecting Student Data
Collecting student data can be overwhelming, but there are some tips and tricks for keeping it organized and making sure that you have the data available when you need it. Learn how to streamline your process after collecting student data so that you can save time and energy throughout the school year. Organizing Student Data […]
How to Develop Meaningful IEP Goals
Developing meaningful IEP goals starts by understanding what your student needs and what he is working towards. They should be SMART goals that the student can achieve within the IEP’s time period, and should be directly aligned with the child’s Present Levels of Academic and Functional Performance. If you are struggling to create and write […]
Why You Should Be Sending Out IEP Input Forms
When it comes to writing a child’s next IEP, are you getting the data you need to complete the student’s IEP? Are you getting input from the other member’s of the IEP team? Learn more about IEP input forms and why they are so important to your data collection and IEP writing timeline. The Case […]
Explaining Accommodations and Modifications to the IEP Team
The difference between accommodations and modifications may have been drilled into your head as a special education teacher, but it is safe to assume that the rest of the IEP team may not be as familiar with the difference between the two. Before diving in to the IEP meeting, make sure that you take the […]
Structuring IEP Goal Work in Special Education Classrooms
When students have multiple goals it can be challenging to keep track of all of them. Multiply that by the number of students on your caseload and it can quickly become overwhelming. That is why structuring IEP goal work is essential for successful management of a caseload and the ultimate success of students. How to […]
The Impossible Special Education Paperwork Pile
Paperwork is a never ending part of life for special education teachers. It induces stress and can be one of the most challenging aspects of the job to manage. Thankfully, there are ways to manage the impossible paperwork pile and finally relieve some of the stress it creates. The strategies below are ways that have […]
Working with a Student with ODD
As special education teachers, we have students who run the gamut in terms of needs and behaviors. It is not uncommon to have a student with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in the classroom. The DSM defines ODD as such: However, working with a student with ODD can be challenging without the right mindset and resources. […]
How to Get Virtual Signatures on IEPs
With remote IEP meetings become more the norm than the exception, it is more important than ever to make sure that all documents are prepared and signed appropriately. Here’s what the IDEA says about parent participation: (c) Other methods to ensure parent participation. If neither parent can attend an IEP Team meeting, the public agency […]
How to Prep for an Annual IEP Meeting
Keeping track of the IEP meetings for your students can be overwhelming. With so much to do and so much to remember, it’s no wonder that sometimes things unintentionally slip by. This year, set the systems in place that you will need to be successful with all of your annual IEP meetings – from start […]
3 Tips for Progress Monitoring with a Large Caseload
Progress monitoring is an important part of a special education teacher’s job. Ensuring that students are making progress on their IEP goals is key to helping them achieve success. However, monitoring progress for multiple students can quickly become overwhelming… especially when your caseload is 10+ students! Having strategies in place to help with progress monitoring […]
9 Functional Skills for Independence
Functional skills are skills that students need in order to gain independence and live independently. They range from simple to complex, but all of them have one thing in common: they help the student prepare for the world outside of school. When including functional skills in an IEP, which is typically done in the Transition […]
5 Things to Do at Every IEP Meeting
IEP meetings are not for the faint of heart! They can be overwhelming, stressful, and downright difficult if we are being truly honest with one another. But IEP meetings can also be encouraging, motivating, and positive. The problem is that you never quite know how a meeting is going to go until you are in […]
9 Types of Lesson Adaptations
There are so many different ways to adapt and modify a lesson or activity to make it appropriate for your students. As teachers, we often fall into a rut where we find our favorite adaptations and stick with them. It is fine to have favorites, but it is also important to look at the big […]
How to Write an IEP
Writing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) involves multiple steps to ensure it is student-centered, data-driven, and legally compliant. You need lots of data and collaboration to make the student’s IEP all-encompassing, and all of the little intricacies and nuances of this legal document can leave even the most veteran teacher feeling burnt out and overwhelmed. […]
7 Steps to Choosing IEP Goals
There is a lot that goes into choosing and creating IEP goals. Do you know what information to use to guide you? Do you know where to find it? How do you integrate the information in the family’s vision statement? With so much to consider, it can be a daunting task to choose the IEP […]
Using Morning Work to Prepare Students for IEP Goal Work
Recently a first-year teacher asked how morning work could benefit her class, especially if it was repetitive. Would it be beneficial if students had mastered the skills already? Would it be boring and ineffective? While some morning work may not be appropriate, teachers have found that repetitive tasks are a great way to prepare students […]
What to Do When IEP Goals Aren’t Working
A great IEP is the key to success for any disabled individual. If your student’s IEP goals aren’t working or the child seems to be struggling, it’s time to take action. Being proactive can mean the difference between a successful year for the student and one that’s filled with frustration and difficulties. Steps to Take […]
How to Set Up IEP Work Bins for Your Students
Helping students make progress on and master their IEP goals is key to every child’s success, not just for that year’s annual IEP – but for the child’s success with “…further education, employment, and independent living.” But with dozens of students on a caseload, it can be challenging to find enough hours in the school […]
How to Handle Parents with Unreasonable Expectations
Parents with unreasonable expectations IEPs can be a challenge to deal with. They may feel that their child deserves more than your school is willing to offer, and they are not satisfied when it comes time for you to provide them the truth about what you can do. How to Handle Parents with Unreasonable IEP […]
Extracurriculars, IEPs, and the Law
Extracurricular activities in school are a big deal. It’s not just about the fun students have with their friends, it’s also about the skills they get to learn and the experiences that will help lead to future success. But what if your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or other disability? What rights do […]
To Add More Gen Ed Time or Not?
As special educators, we walk a fine line between the families we service and advocate for and the administration who can make or break our work life. We’re supposed to be the voice of reason, the strategist for a child’s education, and the advocate for what is best for each student. So what happens when […]
IEP Final Copy or Draft? Helping Parents Understand the Difference
The IEP process is not the easiest to understand. If you are a special educator who works with IEPs all day long it is a bit easier to know where in the process things occur. But for families, there are many small steps that they may be unfamiliar with that can cause misunderstandings. As the […]
How to Get in Touch with Parents About IEP Meetings
Parents are part of the IEP team, but they are not always the easiest to get in touch with. Different schedules, language barriers, and other obstacles can make it difficult for school staff to communicate with families about upcoming IEP meetings and changes to an IEP. There’s a lot to do before you hold an […]