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. Be sure to read the first five ideas on our sister site, Mrs. D’s Corner!
5 Ways to Stay Calm and Organized During IEP Season
Use Google Forms to Collect Information
Google Forms are a great, easy way to collect information from parents, other teachers, and support staff. Not only does it make it easier for them to complete the forms from anywhere that they have internet access, but it’s also easier for you to gather the information.
When data is entered in a Google Form, it can be downloaded into a spreadsheet. This makes it much easier to copy and paste information and quotes into the IEP itself. It also eliminates paper and gives you one location for all of the outside data that you need to collect.
Best of all? It is free to use for all parties!
Use Sticky Notes for Data Collection
Using sticky notes for data collection is one of the easiest ways to collect and record data. It gives you the ability to jot down information and then organize it in a way that makes sense for your needs.
If you are not sure how to use sticky notes for data collection, take a look at this article that explains the ins and outs of sticky data collecting.
I have a big variety of sticky note blank templates available for you when you join The Intentional IEP by clicking here or on the image above!
Here is a short snippet from one of the trainings inside of TII membership about surviving IEP season:
If you are looking for more specifics on IEP’s like writing IEP goals and behavior plans – you’re in the right place!
You can join The Intentional IEP to gain access to over 150+ different IEP related trainings, and access to our IEP Goal Bank. Click the image above to join!
Prepare Yourself Mentally and Emotionally
IEP season is not for the faint of heart. That means that preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for a long, tiring few months (or a school year!) is a must.
Instead of seeing each IEP meeting as something that must be done and filed away, see it as an opportunity to help each and every student on your caseload. You have the ability to change lives with each IEP you write and each IEP meeting that you run. Embrace the challenge and prepare yourself to make a difference!
Use a Calendar or Planner
A calendar (desk or wall) and/or a planner is an absolute must when aiming for calm and organization during IEP season! Make note of when things are due for each student and, if possible, color-code everything so that you can easily identify what is happening based on the colors in your planner.
Some teachers prefer to use a digital calendar and, if that works for you, it is a good option. Others prefer the paper and pencil calendars so that they can cross things off and see them completed.
No matter which one you choose, it’s important to find a system that works best for you.
Start the Year Organized
A year that starts off in disarray will be difficult to reign in and make organized and calm. Start the year off right with systems in place, copies copied, forms set up, and binders at the ready.
Not only will it save you time during the school year, but it will give you the peace of mind that comes from having things organized and prepared ahead of time.
Struggling to get everything organized? The IEP Toolkit can help! It was designed to have everything special ed teachers need in one place so that meetings and IEP writing can go a lot more smoothly. Learn more about it here!
How do you stay calm and organized during IEP season? Share your tips and tricks!
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