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.
IEP Goals for Preschool
Discover 10 essential preschool IEP goals—from social skills to independence—and learn how to track progress while supporting whole-child growth.
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.
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!
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 don’t respond, don’t show up for meetings, or seem like they don’t want to be involved at all? It can feel frustrating, especially when you’re doing everything you can to connect. The truth is, […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Navigating Conversations About Disabilities with Parents
In the classroom, teachers often face the challenge of supporting students with disabilities while respecting family dynamics. When parents prefer not to discuss their child’s disability openly, it becomes crucial for educators to approach the situation with sensitivity and understanding. Navigating conversations about disabilities with parents can be tricky! The goal is to provide necessary […]
The Importance of Working with General Ed Teachers on IEP Data Collection
Collaboration between special education teachers and general education teachers is vital for the success of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Effective communication and teamwork can lead to better outcomes for students, ensuring that they receive the support they need to thrive in the classroom. Without that collaboration, IEP goals can fall by the wayside, […]
How to Achieve Maintenance of Skills Learned
It is crucial for special education teachers to focus on maintaining the skills their students have learned and mastered in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Without regular practice and reinforcement, students may easily lose the progress they have made. Just like with any skill, consistency is key to retention. Students with special needs may require […]
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 […]
Your New IEP Writing Playlist
Are you a special education teacher in need of some motivation and inspiration while writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)? Look no further! In this IEP writing playlist, we have curated a list of 50 songs that will help you stay focused, energized, and positive as you tackle the ever important task of writing IEPs for […]
The Importance of Using Student Interest Surveys When Writing IEPs
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities, ensuring that they receive the appropriate educational support and services. One crucial aspect of creating an effective IEP is understanding the student’s individual interests, preferences, and strengths. This is where student interest surveys play a vital role. What are Student […]
10 Tips for Providing Service Minutes to Students in In-School Suspension
In-school suspension (ISS) is a disciplinary measure many schools use to address behavioral issues and ensure a conducive learning environment. For special education students serving ISS, it’s essential to consider their individual needs and ensure that they continue to receive the necessary services and support. Here are ten tips for educators and administrators on providing […]
Why Goal Banks Are Better Than Using AI
While there are different approaches to crafting IEP goals, one effective method preferred by many special educators is the use of IEP goal banks. These goal banks serve as a starting point for educators as they craft IEP goals that align with each students’ needs. While there has been debate over whether or not artificial […]
Managing Deadlines and Paperwork as a Special Education Teacher: Practical Tips for Success
Being a special education teacher comes with its own unique set of challenges, and one of the most demanding aspects of the job is managing deadlines and paperwork. Balancing planning, teaching, resource minutes, data collection, and writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can feel overwhelming. However, with effective organizational strategies and practical tips, special education teachers […]
The Crucial Role of General Ed Teachers in an IEP Meeting
General ed teachers play a crucial role in the IEP process and IEP meetings. IEP meetings are a pivotal platform for educators, parents, and professionals to develop personalized plans for students with disabilities. While special education teachers play a significant role in these IEP meetings, it is important not to overlook the crucial contributions of […]
The Power of Impact Statements in IEPs
Within the realm of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), impact statements hold immense significance in helping educators identify and address the unique needs of students with disabilities. These statements go beyond a mere acknowledgment of a student’s disability and delve into the specific ways in which it affects their learning and progress. By understanding the individual […]
7+ Ways to Share IEP Information with General Ed Teachers
Sharing students’ IEP information with their general education teachers is important. Not only do general ed teachers need to be kept in the loop as to what a student’s IEP says, but they also need the information so that they can implement what is in the IEP. But what is the most effective way of […]
10 Steps in the IEP Writing Process
Writing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a crucial aspect of your role as a special education teacher. An IEP serves as a roadmap for supporting students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary accommodations and modifications to succeed academically and socially. Let’s walk through the ten essential steps in the IEP writing process, helping […]
Tracking Accommodations in the General Ed Classroom: Practical and Efficient Strategies for Special Ed and General Ed Teachers
Accommodations play a crucial role in ensuring the success of special education students in the general education classroom. These modifications and supports are designed to level the playing field and enable students with disabilities to access and participate in the curriculum. However, tracking the use of accommodations can be challenging for special and general education […]
How Students Can Help with Data Collection
As special education teachers, one of our primary goals is to ensure that our students with individualized education programs (IEPs) make progress toward their goals. Traditionally, data collection has been the responsibility of the teacher alone. However, involving students in the process not only empowers them to take ownership of their learning but also enhances […]
The Importance of Sharing Raw Data with Parents
As special education teachers, we play a vital role in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, working closely with students, parents, and other professionals. One crucial aspect that deserves our attention is sharing raw data with parents. In this blog post, we will discuss what raw data is, why it is important, why it should […]
5 Things to Do Before Your First IEP Meeting
As first year teachers, we know that the first time stepping foot into a classroom can be extremely nerve wracking. But as Special Education teachers, I think we can all agree that the most nerve wracking thing is going to be that first IEP meeting. No matter how much they teach us during our schooling, […]
19 Things Not to Say in an IEP Meeting
When we are immersed in writing IEPs, we are often focused on all the important pieces that need to be entered into the document, and we should be. There is so much to add, and we don’t want to (and actually can’t!) leave anything out. As we prepare for the actual IEP meeting, there are […]
Fostering Self-Advocacy: Discussing Accommodations and IEPs with Students
Inclusive education is crucial for students with disabilities to thrive academically and socially. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) ensure students receive the necessary accommodations and support to succeed in their educational journey. However, it is equally important for students to understand their IEPs and actively participate in discussions surrounding their accommodations. This post will delve into […]
What to Do When a Parent Doesn’t Collaborate on an IEP
Collaboration between special education teachers and parents is crucial for the success of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). However, there are instances when parents may not actively participate or collaborate in the IEP process. In this blog post, we will explore strategies that special education teachers can use when faced with challenges related to parental involvement […]
When to Include Related Services in an IEP
In special education, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) play a crucial role in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed academically and socially. One important aspect of developing an effective IEP is determining when to include related services. Related services are specialized supports and interventions that help students with disabilities fully […]
How to Explain the Implementation of Service Minutes
When writing an IEP, the most important part we as Special Education teachers must adhere to are the IEP service and service minutes. If you write in the IEP that you are going to see a child 5x a week for 30 minutes, then you need to make sure you see that child 5x a […]
How to Send Home a Proposed IEP Draft
How often do you find that when you are in an IEP meeting, the parents have questions about what is included in the IEP or have questions regarding the goals, data, or maybe they just need a bit more clarity. Probably more than you would think, right? One way to help alleviate that stress and […]
7 Clarifying Questions Teachers Should Ask at an IEP Meeting
Positive and productive IEP meetings lay the groundwork for better student outcomes, but when team opinions clash and emotions run high, a meeting can fall apart before you know it. Sometimes, having a neutral third-party facilitator can make all the difference in the success of a meeting. Being sure to have a facilitated IEP meeting […]
When to Write IEPs with No Planning Period
As a special education teacher, writing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) is one of the most critical tasks you’ll do throughout the school year. An IEP outlines a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and goals and serves as a legal document that provides direction for their education. However, as a special education teacher, finding the time to write […]
Books You’d Recommend to Another Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers play a crucial role in the lives of students with diverse needs. From learning disabilities to physical impairments, special educators work tirelessly to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment. One way for special education teachers to enhance their skills and knowledge is to read books for teachers written by experts in […]
Keeping Track of Your Professional Development
As a special education teacher, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the field is important. One way of doing this is by completing professional development hours each year. However, keeping track of these hours can be challenging, especially when juggling a busy schedule and other responsibilities. In this article, there are […]
Improving the IEP Meeting Experience for Parents
Attending an IEP meeting as a parent can be a scary and emotional experience. Parents want to make sure that their children are given every opportunity to succeed, and they are a vital part of a child’s IEP team. It’s our job as educators to make parents feel heard and to let them know that […]
How to Get Teacher Buy In for IEP Collaboration
Getting your general education teachers to buy in for IEP collaboration can be a daunting task. However, the outcome can be incredibly rewarding if it is done correctly. Here are ten tips to help make sure that your staff members feel comfortable and prepared to collaborate on IEPs. 1. Provide Training Before any collaborations take […]
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 […]
Battling IEP Writing Burnout
Writing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also lead to burnout. IEP writing requires a great deal of time and energy, and the process of creating meaningful plans for each student can become draining over time. Fortunately, there are steps that educators can take to fight against IEP […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
6 Reasons Teachers Need to Tell Parents to Get an Advocate
Imagine being a parent and walking into an IEP meeting for your child. Maybe you’re new to the IEP process. Maybe English is not your first language. Maybe you had a negative experience at school yourself and are distrustful and wary of school officials. Maybe you, yourself, have the same learning disability as your child […]
Surviving IEP Season
When you ask a special ed teacher what feelings come up during IEP season, the answers are rarely positive. Fear, frustration, exhaustion, and overwhelm are the most common feelings. No one went to college to become a special ed teacher to experience those feelings. In fact, while most colleges do a good job of addressing […]
IEP Writing Suggestions for First Year Teachers
It is never easy being a first-year teacher. There is so much to learn, so much to experience, and so much to do. For first-year special ed teachers, one of the most daunting tasks is writing those first IEPs. While colleges do their best to prepare future teachers to write them, there is nothing like […]
7 Go To Tips for Your First IEP Meeting
IEP meetings are intimidating, most times for all parties involved. While many veteran teachers still feel butterflies when they enter the conference room, first year teachers experience the nerves of IEP meetings ten-fold. To help alleviate some of those nerves, we asked experienced special ed teachers to share their best tips and tricks for IEP […]
A Great IEP Writer Does These 5 Things
Just like all teaching-related skills, learning how to write an outstanding IEP comes with a lot of practice. No one is fabulous at it their first time out. However, there are similarities between the things teachers do to create effective IEPs. In fact, a great IEP writer does these five things below to craft a […]
First IEP Meeting Tips for Special Ed Teachers
No matter how many IEPs you have sat through, there is always a sense of nervousness when facilitating your first IEP meeting. These teacher-tested first IEP meeting tips for special ed teachers can help make it easier and calm some of those first-meeting jitters! Even veteran teachers get nervous before IEP meetings, so for the […]
What to Do When You’re Burned Out on Writing IEPs
There comes a time in every special educator’s life when writing IEPs leads to feelings of being burned out. And trust me, IEP writing burnout is real.The constant pressure to make sure your students’ needs are addressed in detail with the appropriate accommodations and interventions can weigh on even the most experienced of teachers.So, what […]
How to Make Student IEP Binders
Are you thinking about making data binders for your students? While they are a great idea, knowing what to put in data binders to make them useful is key. With so many options of materials to put in the binders, sometimes the most challenging part is whittling them down so that they do not contain […]
Addressing Play IEP Goals Virtually
Play goals are an essential part of many Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). They are integral to a child’s development, and, for many young students, they are the key to success. However, if a student’s Least Restrictive Environment is virtual learning, figuring out the best way to address play IEP goals virtually can be challenging. Whether […]