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 place, make sure all staff are trained on IEPs and the process of working together to create them. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident when collaborating with an outside team. Remember, general education teachers typically receive very little training in special ed topics during their teacher training. They may need help understanding the special education process, what is involved with creating an IEP, and why their input is not only important but vital to their student’s success. A little training (and compassion!) can go a long way to getting the buy-in you need.
You can download this FREE What is an IEP? brochure here.
2. Encourage Open Communication
Establish a safe environment where general teachers can express their concerns and ask questions without fear of judgment. Make sure they know that collaboration is encouraged and all opinions are valued. If you don’t hear from them or they are not asking questions, stop in to see them and ask if there is anything they need help with in terms of implementing the IEP or documenting progress. They might not feel comfortable admitting that they’re struggling.
3. Set Clear Expectations
Let your general ed teachers know what is expected of them when working on IEPs and collaborating with other support staff. This will help ensure that everyone understands their role in the process. Again, they don’t know what they don’t know, so setting clear expectations in terms of data collection, inclusion and allowing support staff in the room can clear things up.
4. Emphasize Benefits
Highlight the many benefits of collaborating on IEPs, such as increasing student engagement and providing better instructional support for students with special needs. Make sure they know it’s not just another thing for them to do; collaborating has excellent benefits.
5. Give Recognition
Show your general ed teachers that you appreciate their hard work collaborating on IEPs by acknowledging it. It does not have to be anything fancy; a simple thank you can mean a lot.
Check out this short snippet from one of the trainings inside of TII membership about collaborating with general education teachers:
If you are looking for more specifics on IEP’s like writing IEP goals and behavior plans – you’re in the right place!
By joining the membership, individuals also gain access to an extensive library of over 13,000 pre-written IEP goals, empowering them with a wealth of options to support their students’ unique needs.
Learn more and become a member of The Intentional IEP today!
6. Provide Support
Make sure your collaborating general ed teachers have access to the resources they need to feel confident in their roles supporting the students in their classroom. This could include pre-made work bins they can use with students, additional training, tips for making data collection more manageable, and anything else that provides more information on IEPs and their implementation.
7. Listen
Take the time to listen to the general ed teachers’ concerns or worries about IEP collaboration. Ask questions and be willing to make changes where necessary.
8. Lead by Example
Set an example by being involved in IEP collaboration yourself. Show them that you are willing to participate in the process and that it’s also important to you. Don’t just assign them things to do and only reappear once it’s time for the student’s IEP. Check in often and support them. Collaborate with them; don’t dictate to them.
9. Send Reminders
Send reminders if you are working on a deadline and need information from them. They have a lot going on outside of the IEP collaboration, and it can be easy to overlook deadlines. When you need their input, send a reminder a month before, two weeks before, a week before, three days before, and the day before it is due. It may seem like overkill, but it can help them remember, and it can get you the information you need.
10. Use Google Forms
The odds of a paper form being misplaced are high, but a request for information sent with a Google Form link can quickly and easily get the data you need. It makes it easy for the general ed teacher to complete it and gives you an easy way to collect and organize the data as it comes in. You should also cc the administrator when you send the link to the Google Form so there is a record of when you requested the input. (These pre-made Google Forms are perfect for IEP Team input!)
By following these ten tips, you can create an environment where your general education teachers are well-prepared and comfortable working on IEPs and collaborating with special ed and support professionals. This positive and productive environment will benefit both the staff and students. With everyone working together, your students will receive the best possible education and the support they need.
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