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.
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.
What is a Stay Put IEP?
Not sure what a “stay put” IEP is? Here’s everything you need to know!
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
25 Myths and Facts About IEPs
The myths and facts about IEPs never seem to end. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) process is a cornerstone of special education, yet it’s often misunderstood. Those misunderstandings can create unnecessary anxiety for parents, educators, and students in a situation that’s already stressful. Let’s bust 25 common myths about IEPs and uncover the facts that […]
How to Share IEPs with Team Members the Right Way
When it comes to supporting students with disabilities, every member of the IEP team needs to be on the same page. That’s where shared access to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) becomes essential. But what does shared access actually mean and how do we make sure it follows FERPA laws and protects student confidentiality? Together, […]
What Qualifies a Student for ESY?
Extended School Year (ESY) services are crucial for some students with disabilities, ensuring they continue to receive the support they need beyond the traditional school year. Understanding the qualifications for ESY can help educators and parents advocate effectively for their students and gather the necessary documentation to ensure that their student receives services. But now, […]
Types of Least Restrictive Environments
In special education, the concept of Least Restrictive Environments (LREs) plays a crucial role in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the appropriate level of support while being included in general education settings to the maximum extent possible. LREs refer to the educational settings where students with disabilities can learn alongside their non-disabled peers. Let’s […]
Understanding the Importance of Signing Off on an IEP
When it comes to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), the involvement of IEP team members is crucial in ensuring the success and effectiveness of the plan. One key aspect of this process is obtaining signatures from all team members to signify their agreement and commitment to the goals set forth in the IEP. What Does Signing […]
Understanding IEP Amendments: What Parents Need to Know
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) play a crucial role in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the necessary support and accommodations to succeed in school. However, the process of amending an IEP can be complex and confusing for parents. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of IEP amendments and provide parents with […]
What is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?
In the field of special education, one key concept that guides decision-making regarding the placement of students with disabilities is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The LRE principle underscores the importance of educating students with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible in order to meet their individual needs effectively. What Does […]
What is a Trauma-Informed IEP?
Understanding and addressing the impact of trauma on students is crucial in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. One significant way to support students who have experienced trauma is through the development of a Trauma-Informed Individualized Education Program (IEP). In this blog post, we will explore the concept of trauma-informed care, delve into the […]
Understanding Effective Progress in an IEP
Effective progress. What is it, and why is it important in terms of your students’ IEPs? One key aspect of an IEP is defining what “effective progress” means for the student. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of effective progress in an IEP and how it impacts the educational development of students. […]
Different Types of Learning Styles
Understanding how your students learn best enables you to create more appropriate, engaging lessons that they will be able to comprehend. But what are the ways most people learn? Uncover the top three learning styles below and explore some of the lesser-known styles as well. Understanding them will help you become a better educator and […]
Where to Start When Writing an IEP
Writing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as a new special education teacher may initially appear overwhelming. But with the right guidance and resources, you can gain confidence in navigating this crucial process. This blog post aims to offer a step-by-step guide to assist you in getting started with writing an IEP for your students. Understanding […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
What Qualifies a Child for an IEP?
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are designed to help students get the supports and services that they need to be able to learn and grow. But what qualifies a child for an IEP? The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) identifies 13 categories of disabilities that will qualify a child for an IEP. Understanding those categories […]
What Is an IEP?
For those who are new to the special education process, understanding what an IEP is and why it is important can take a bit of time… some research, and sometimes a little bit of deciphering. There are a lot of acronyms in special education and unless you are using the terminology as part of your […]
Who Is On The IEP Team?
Preparing for your first IEP meeting? Before you get too far into planning, make sure you know who is on an IEP team. By law, there are mandatory members of an IEP team. This ensures that the IEP is created collaboratively and not based solely on one person’s evaluation of the child. Let’s take a […]
Legally – All IEPs Need to Have These Parts
So you have to write your first IEP. Do you know what an IEP should legally include? Learn about the legal IEP parts below and make sure your students’ IEPs have all of the necessary components! What is an IEP? An IEP or Individualized Education Program is required by law for students who qualify for […]
The Beginning Steps of the Special Ed Process
Understanding the beginning steps of the special ed process can make the events flow much more smoothly. When the process is smooth and effective, it is easier to get the student the services he or she needs. Not sure about how the special education process begins? Let’s break it down. The Start of the Special […]
The ABC’s of IEPs
There is so much planning that goes in to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with disabilities. There are many different things to think about when planning and writing an IEP to make sure it is the best possible plan for each student. After all, the I stands for Individualized. We decided to come […]
Basic Anatomy of an IEP
Special Educators are professionals at writing Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs, for their students. And while all states have different requirements and guidelines for IEPs, all of these IEP documents have the same basic anatomy. Below you will learn about the number of basic parts of a student’s IEP, and if you’re looking for more […]
Why are IEPs Important?
We all know what IEP’s are- Individualized Education Programs. However, we may not understand why an IEP is so important! Did you know that IEPs didn’t even exist until 1975? Before that, millions of children with disabilities were denied a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) due to their disabilities. IEPs give students legal protection, and […]
IEP Accommodations VS. IEP Modifications
Accommodations and modifications. They are two words that are frequently tossed around the world of special education, and sometimes used interchangeably. However, it is important that we differentiate between the two terms, because they mean two very different things! Legally, we need to use the correct terminology on IEPs and other documents, so let’s take […]
The Difference Between IEPs and 504s
When you start working in special education, it’s impossible to be prepared for the amount of acronyms and jargon that you’ll need to learn and remember. Give yourself time, grace, and a notebook to write everything down. While it seems like a lot, knowing the ins and outs of some of this new professional terminology […]