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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Team Building Activities for Special Ed Teachers and Paras
Team building is crucial for fostering a positive and supportive environment in any workplace, especially for special education teachers and the paraprofessionals who work in their classrooms. Collaborating effectively and building strong relationships within the team can greatly enhance the quality of education and support provided to students with special needs. Here are some team-building ideas tailored specifically for special […]
Must-Have Para Trainings
Paras in the special education classroom are essential for helping students reach their full potential. To ensure that paras can provide quality support to their students, it is vital that they receive regular training on a range of topics. Here are seven para trainings to consider: Para Trainings for the School Year 1. Classroom Management […]
When You Don’t Feel Heard at an IEP Meeting: What to Do
Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings can be stressful for both parents and educators. The goal of the meeting is to discuss the student’s needs and come up with a plan that meets those needs. However, sometimes one may not feel heard in these meetings, which can be frustrating and discouraging. If you find yourself in […]
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 […]
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 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 – […]
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 […]
Special Ed Jargon Everyone Should Know
No matter what subject you teach, chances are that you will eventually teach students with IEPs. Because of this, it’s important that you know common special ed jargon! The Oxford Dictionary defines jargon as “special words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.” This […]