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 being in the school and having to write an IEP alone. Thankfully, there are resources and tips to make it easier.
Tips for IEP Writing for First Year Teachers
1 – Ask for Help
Everyone was a first-year teacher at one point and they know the challenges associated with writing those first IEPs. Do not be afraid to reach out to colleagues and supervisors for support if you need guidance. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength and being self-aware.
Samples of IEPs that your co-workers have written can also be a good resource as it gives you a clear picture of what your district expects.
2 – Use Your School or District’s Forms
Many schools and districts have their own IEP templates and form that teachers are required to use. Be sure to get a copy of them before attempting to re-create the wheel only to find out you need to redo everything on the district’s forms.
3 – Use a Checklist for the Entire Proces
From collecting data to observations to setting up the IEP meeting, use a checklist to track what needs to be done and when. Not only does it make it easier to write the IEP because you will have the information you need, but it also helps you stay organized.
4 – Understand Current Goals and Present Levels
Before you can write a new IEP, you need to have a firm understanding of the previous IEP and the student’s progress. Review the current goals and assess the student’s present levels to see where he is ready to make progress. Use the current IEP as the backbone for the new one that you are writing.
5 – Communicate with Parents
While it is important to contact parents about the IEP meeting, it is even more important to communicate with them ahead of time about their child’s progress. Ask them what their concerns are and what they have observed. Do not be afraid to call or meet with them face-to-face to talk about their child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Making parents feel like they are part of the IEP team and that you are all working together for the good of the child goes a long way toward establishing great relationships with your students’ families.
For more on how to help parents advocate at an IEP meeting, read on here.
6 – Choose Your Data Collection Method
Decide how, when, and how often you are going to track progress on IEP goals and objectives. Your data collection methods will often be dictated by the IEP goal criteria, but don’t forget to be consistent when collecting data.
To stay in compliance, you’ll need to regularly update IEP team members on student progress (as outlined in each student’s IEP). Based on the data and your data analysis, you’ll also regularly adjust instruction and SDI as needed.
7 – Stay Organized
Keeping your IEP paperwork organized is one big way to avoid IEP writing burnout and keep you sane. And when it comes to organization, there are a lot of different ways that may work – or not work – for you. To get you started, here are the 3 binder systems you need to stay organized.
Above all else, remember that the document you are writing is about a child. It is easy to get lost in the data and the jargon of special education and forget that at the heart of the IEP is a student who needs your help and guidance. Writing an IEP is never an easy task, but when done well, it can change a child’s future forever.
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