The Pros and Cons of Using AI to Help with IEP Writing
There are a lot of pros and cons to using AI in the classroom. Do the pros outweigh the cons? Find out here!
Time-Savings Tips for IEP Writing
Save time on IEP writing with organization tips, parent input strategies, and powerful tools to streamline meetings and create stronger, faster plans.
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 Write the Transition Section of an IEP
Transition services must be addressed no later than the first IEP that will be in effect when the child turns 16, according to the IDEA (in some states it starts earlier). The transition services must be updated annually with the child’s annual IEP, and it is important that IEP teams begin planning for a student’s […]
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. […]
Administrator’s Role in Transition Planning
Administrators play a critical role in ensuring that transition planning is effective, legally compliant, and student-centered. Their leadership helps create an inclusive, supportive environment where students with disabilities receive the services and resources needed to succeed in post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. Here are 7 ways administrators can support IEP teams during transition planning: […]
How to Use Correct Wording When Writing an IEP
Writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can be challenging, especially when it comes to using the correct terminology and phrasing. The way we describe a student’s behaviors and needs is crucial for clarity and understanding among educators, parents, and specialists on the IEP team. Here are some effective strategies and phrases to help you articulate observations […]
IEP Toolkit
There are so many parts to a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)… and these parts are constantly being changed and revised on at least a yearly basis at minimum. An IEP is a living document! As part of the IEP Team, you are responsible for drafting the entire IEP (this depends on what state you live in […]
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 […]
IEP Writing Timeline
Creating an IEP involves a series of steps that require collaboration among educators, parents, and other stakeholders. A well-defined timeline serves as a roadmap, guiding the team through assessments, goal setting, implementation strategies, and progress monitoring. But where do you begin and, perhaps more importantly, when should you start when you need to write an […]
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 […]
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 […]
Handling a Midyear Amendment to an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
When a parent requests an amendment to their child’s IEP midyear, it is essential to approach the situation with care and diligence. It’s also important to note that the process of amending an IEP can vary based on state laws and school district policies. However, there are general procedures that special educators can follow to […]
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 […]
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 […]
Writing a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) in 10 Steps
Writing a BIP or Behavior Intervention Plan can be challenging if you don’t know where to start. These ten steps can help you navigate the process. As special educators, one of our fundamental responsibilities is to support students with challenging behaviors and help them succeed in the classroom. A behavior intervention plan (BIP) is a […]
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 […]
10 Things to Remember When Writing IEP Goals
Writing Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals is a crucial aspect of a special education teacher’s job. These goals serve as roadmaps for students with disabilities, outlining the specific skills they need to develop and the progress they need to make. As a special education teacher, it’s essential to create IEP goals that are meaningful, measurable, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Where to Put Toileting Help in an IEP
As a special ed teacher, you know that individualized education programs (IEPs) are an essential part of helping all students achieve the best outcomes possible. One area within IEPs that can sometimes cause confusion is where to list toileting help. Here we will address exactly where toileting help should go for your student’s IEP, so […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Writing an IEP for a Student with Excessive Absences
Writing IEPs is challenging enough, but when a student has excessive absences and has not been there, it is even more difficult. Writing an IEP for a student with excessive absences requires determination, honesty, and documentation. IEPs for Students with Excessive Absences Before beginning to write the IEP, take a look at why the student […]
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 […]
Writing an IEP for a Student with an Emotional Disturbance
Writing any IEP can be challenging, but writing an IEP for a student with an emotional disturbance can be even trickier. Whether you are new to writing IEPs or even an IEP writing veteran, the following teacher-tested tips and tricks can make it easier to write an appropriate and effective IEP for students with emotional […]
The Difference Between IEP Goals and IEP Objectives
There is a lot of terminology that Special Ed teachers must become accustomed to in order to effectively write an IEP. Understanding the difference between terms can be confusing for even the most experienced educators. Knowing the difference between IEP goals and IEP objectives is one area that commonly trips teachers up as they sit […]
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 […]
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 […]
Determining IEP Goal Objectives and Benchmarks
Over my years as a special education teacher who has taught in multiple states, I’ve realized that the district or school you work for probably wants you to write IEP goals differently than your neighboring county or state. While this isn’t necessarily a “bad thing”, it definitely makes it more difficult to know what a […]
The Best Thing I Ever Did for My IEP Writing Self
There are so many parts to a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)… and these parts are constantly being changed and revised on at least a yearly basis at minimum. An IEP is a living document! As part of the IEP Team, you are responsible for drafting the entire IEP (this depends on what state you […]
Time Saving IEP Writing Tips for Teachers
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are notorious for taking over the lives of special education teachers. How can you actually plan during your planning period when you have 3 IEPs to write? These documents carry a lot of weight and have a LOT of sections, and to put it simply – IEPs take TIME to write. […]
Streamlining the IEP Process (for Teachers)
Let’s just tell it like it is: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are time consuming and long. It’s the honest truth. Teachers often say that it takes 4+ hours for them to write a quality IEP. And I know that you know IEPs, which means you also know that writing the IEP is only a fraction […]
Keeping IEPs Strength Focused and Student Centered
When we begin writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), we are often taking baseline data, administering complex assessments, and getting anecdotal feedback and reports from adults and professionals that know our students best. Unfortunately, what do most of those sources give us? Student deficits. This is not necessarily bad information, rather this information helps guide what […]
Determining IEP Goal Mastery Criteria
As we know, IEP goals must be measurable. We collect data and report on IEP goals that we have assigned levels of mastery to. But how do we determine if a goal is “mastered”? What criteria must a child meet before we determine that there has been goal mastery? One of the big needs for […]
Tips for Writing IEP Transition Plans
If you are teaching middle school or high school, you are very familiar with IEP transition plans. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) tells us that once a student turns 16 (younger in some states), they must have a transition plan written into their IEP. The purpose of a Transition IEP is to prepare […]
Why Transition IEPs Still Need Academic Goals
Transition – this is a word we hear a lot with our upper grades students in special education. Let’s start by going back to what the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) says about transition IEPs: IDEA 2004 tells us that transition goals must be included in a student’s IEP no later than when they […]
Tips for Writing a Rock Star IEPs
A large and integral part of a special educator’s job revolves around IEPs. From writing them to attending meetings to making sure they get implemented, we live and breathe IEPs. Over the years, and with experience, you’ll learn a lot of tips and tricks for IEP writing. But what if you’re just starting out? Or […]
Who to Ask for Input for a Child’s IEP
When writing an IEP for a student with a disability, it is important to ask for input from many different sources. But why is this? Why not just ask for input from any general or special education teacher who works with that child, and be done with it? The answer is simple! Different people in […]