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 would make it easier for them to understand IEPs and they had some great suggestions.
Understanding IEPs from a General Ed Teacher’s Point of View
Create At-A-Glance Sheets
With so many different students with so many different needs, supplying your general ed teachers with At-A-Glance sheets can be exceptionally helpful. It allows them to quickly see what’s in each IEP and what each student needs. It’s also easy for them to refer back to should they have any questions or just need a refresher.
Explain the Law
While special ed teachers are usually very familiar with the laws surrounding IEPs, most general ed teachers are not. If possible, have the district’s lawyers come in and explain the special ed laws to all teachers. This ensures that even general ed teachers know that they must comply with the document and attend IEP meetings.
Have Regular Meetings
Short, monthly meetings can make a world of difference when explaining IEPs to general ed teachers. Many are not sure if they’re providing the right services to their students and need reassurance and direction to make sure that they’re hitting the skills they need to be working on. Build those relationships and carve out 20-30 minutes each month to sit down with teachers working with students on your caseload.
Explain What Makes a Student Eligible for Services
When a general ed teacher hears that a student has special ed services, they may not understand what had to be demonstrated in order to qualify for those services. A quick training that explains what makes a student eligible for services can be enlightening and can help create empathy for those students who need help. It also makes it easier for general ed teachers to understand why certain things are included in the IEP as modifications.
Accommodations Are Not Suggestions
Once a general ed teacher understands that an IEP is a legal document that must be followed, it’s a lot easier to explain that accommodations in the IEP are not suggestions. Instead, accommodations are legally required interventions that must be implemented with fidelity.
Explaining IEPs to those who are not in special education can be difficult, but it is important that everyone is on the same page. Taking the time to address a general ed teacher’s concerns and confusion as soon as possible ensures that every student gets the help and services that he or she needs.
You see the potential in every student—even when others don’t. But it’s hard to bring those possibilities to life when you’re drowning in IEP logistics. That’s where The Intentional IEP comes in. With expert trainings, 10,000+ standards-aligned goals, and time-saving resources, you’ll spend less time stuck in the paperwork—and more time turning those possibilities into reality.