Depending on the severity of a child’s disability, IEP’s can contain a massive amount of information! Although all of the information on an IEP is important for documentation purposes, there are some parts that need highlighted for proper IEP implementation.
But how do we make sure that teachers get enough information about a student with an IEP without overwhelming them with information?
Enter IEP snapshots! They’re also known as IEP at a Glance or IEP Data Sheet.
IEP snapshots give a condensed version of the entire IEP. Using an IEP snapshot can help teachers quickly reference the essential IEP information they need to know about a child’s IEP.
Benefit #1: No More Information Overload
Depending on your state and the severity of the child’s disability, IEPs can be 50 or more pages long. They’re overwhelming for teachers, especially teachers who are not familiar with IEPs.
In order for all teachers to get the information they need, an IEP snapshot is a perfect way to access information without wading through all 50+ legal pages.
A quality IEP Snapshot is going to summarize key components of the IEP without needing to review the full document (this is not in lieu of reading the full document for implementation however!). This helps general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff quickly understand a student’s needs and supports and ensures all staff are following the IEP requirements.
Doubling up, this then provides immediate access to information about student strengths, challenges, and strategies for success for IEP team members, promoting proactive implementation of accommodations and supports.
Benefit #2: Everyone on the Same Page
A great practice is for a special education teacher to provide each general education and special area teacher with a copy of the IEP snapshot prior to the school year (in addition to a copy of the child’s actual IEP).
By doing so, general education and special area teachers are able to preview the student’s areas of need, classroom accommodations, and supplementary aids and services.
When teachers are armed with information about students with IEPs, and given time to prepare, then they can prepare instruction that is inclusive for kids with IEPs. By giving teachers this information ahead of time, they are more familiar with the student and the student’s needs, and will have an easier time following the IEP.
Benefit #3: Promotes Streamlined Data Collection
When the special education teacher gives out the IEP snapshots, you should be talking through the IEP with the IEP team member and discussing implementation, offering support and guidance to the team member.
For example, the student may have an accommodation or modification that the general education teacher is not familiar with, or may have a behavior intervention plan.
By taking the time to talk through the IEP snapshot, the special education teacher is helping to set the general education teacher and the student up for success.
How does this relate to data collection and progress monitoring of IEP goals?
The IEP Snapshot is going to highlight IEP goals and reduce the risk of overlooking critical supports, in turn giving educators and service providers the right information at their fingertips, and the confidence, to track progress on goals more effectively.
By giving teachers easy-to-access information about the student, they will be more prepared to accommodate that student in their classroom. An IEP snapshot makes important information about the child’s IEP easy to find and easy to understand.
The process of IEP snapshot distribution also opens up the line of communication between the special education teacher and general education teacher. IEP snapshots benefit everyone and help students be more successful!
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