How to Write Standards-Aligned IEP Goals Without Copying the Standard
Writing IEP goals is one of the most important parts of special education. It can also be one of the most confusing and time consuming – especially when districts change how they want goals written every other school year. Add to that confusion, many IEP teams hear the words “standards aligned” and “standards based” used […]
Keeping IEPs Strength Focused and Student Centered
An IEP was never designed to be a deficit-focused document. Instead, create a strengths-focused IEP that builds on what the student does well.
Is This IEP Goal Too Ambitious? How to Use Baseline Data to Find the Right Answer
Not sure if an IEP goal is too ambitious for your student? The only way to know is to look at the baseline data. Here’s how to start.
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!
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.
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.
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. Itโs the reason we have IEPs, why we collect data, and why we meet as teams to […]
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 โcanโtโ do or what needs to be โfixed.โ But that approach doesnโt align with the values of neuro-affirming education, which seeks to honor, support, and empower students as they areโnot […]
Functional Skills to Write IEP Goals For
Functional skills need IEP goals. Learn why they’re important and how to help your students gain the independence they’ll need.
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. […]
Administratorโs 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 […]
10 Social Skills Goals for Non-Verbal Students
Supporting non-verbal students in developing their social skills is essential for fostering meaningful interactions and promoting inclusion in various settings. Here are ten social skills goals that can be included in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), along with explanations of their benefits. Remember that you will need to adjust the goals to make them measurable […]
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 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 […]
Test Taking Accommodations for Students in Special Ed
Test taking can be a challenging experienceย for many students, but for those in special education, it can present even greater obstacles.ย Students with special needs may require accommodations to ensure they have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills during assessments. These accommodations are designed to level the playing field and provide a fair […]
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 […]
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 studentโs 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.ย 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Why Itโs Important to Meet with General Ed Teachers Prior to IEP Writing
When writing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student, it is important to meet with general ed teachers ahead of time. This consultation can provide invaluable insights into the feasibility of accommodations and modifications that may be necessary for the student, as well as information on any potential time limits or class size restrictions […]
Understanding โX of Y Trialsโ
Understanding special ed jargon can be challenging! With so many acronyms and a language all its own, even the most seasoned teachers need clarification. When it comes to IEP writing, one of the most common phrases refers to the number of times a student should show mastery of a skill. It is usually referred to […]
Skills to Add to Transition Surveys
When planning to transition from school to life after school, it is important for students with special needs to learn certain skills. These skills can help them have a successful and independent life. Some of the skills that should be included in a transition survey include the overarching skills of communication, self-advocacy, problem-solving, time management, […]
7 Reasons to Use an IEP Goal Bank
Writing an individualized education plan (IEP) that meets the needs of each student can be a daunting task -especially when you have a large caseload! Fortunately, educators have access to IEP goal banks that can help them easily create accurate and up-to-date IEPs tailored to their studentsโ specific learning objectives. By using IEP goal banks, […]
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 […]
Tips for Staying Calm During IEP Season โ 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. […]
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 – […]
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 […]
How to Develop Meaningful IEP Goals
Developing meaningful IEP goals starts by understanding what your student needs and what he is working towards. They should be SMART goals that the student can achieve within the IEP’s time period, and should be directly aligned with the child’s Present Levels of Academic and Functional Performance. If you are struggling to create and write […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Legally โ All IEPs Need to Have These Parts
ย 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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
Why Transition IEPs Still Need Academic Goals
Transition – this is a word we hear a lot with our upper grades students in special education. Letโs 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 studentโs 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 […]