You simply can't fix an IEP without THIS!
CONSISTENCY! You all know, I've been doing this for a long time, so when someone comes to me saying, "I need to get this IEP fixed", my first advice is always, "Okay, let's check in and see what's being done consistently with the current document."...
Special education and general education teachers have to work together for inclusion to work... but what does that really look like?
At this very moment, I'm packing to present special education strategies at a HUGE teacher conference in Orlando. I'm so excited to share some simple, game-changing...
Let's talk about AAC and our OLDER students! We talk all the time about early interventions for speech, but it's never too late to look at different ways AAC and support can be helpful for middle, high, and transition students. Dr. Cheri Dodge Chin has the strategies you need to help...
My first time at the IEP table, I was a special education teacher and case manager. I had all of the documents ready to go and throughout the previous week, had checked in with various members of the IEP team. As a teacher, you typically end up feeling in the middle of the parents and the rest of...
Meeting the individual needs of every student in your classroom can be a daunting task for teachers. That’s exactly why we asked Master IEP Coach®, Heather, to share how she meets her students' unique needs in her classroom.
Heather Cacioppo has a Master’s degree in Curriculum and...
Special education is known for having tight timelines and strict deadlines, so it’s no surprise teachers, therapists, administrators, and evaluators all across the field are feeling the pressure.
Sometimes, in the midst of IEP meetings, typing up reports, taking data, and spending time with...
MTSS.. RTI... IEP! What does it all mean and how can we make it work together! Sarah Kirk joins us today from the lens of a school counselor, dedicated to meeting the unique needs of all students. Whether you're a parent or teacher at the IEP table, these are some acronyms you need to know!
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Many families are struggling with gaining access to medical and school support. The waiting periods are excruciating and many times the only access to services and support is through the school district. So, by the time a family figures out about evaluations through the school district, it may...
Teachers, you can see it: the finish line! There are 101 things to do before the school year is over - grades, meetings, class parties, and events- but are you prepared to end the school year on a positive note? As a previous special education teacher and now school administrator,...
Have you ever felt frustrated, anxiety-ridden, or just plain angry when walking away from the IEP table? When working as an IEP team, it is assumed that the team includes all parties and their input. Does this meeting you just attended seem like all voices were heard? Where did the...
Save a seat for kindness at the IEP table.
When I attended my first planning meeting for my son to be evaluated for special education services, a few months shy of his third birthday, I was overwhelmed, feeling like the professionals and I were sitting on opposing sides of the IEP table.
We often...
Advocating for my son and the children of the clients I represent has shown me that kindness is a very important part of working collaboratively at the IEP table.
In my advocacy journey, I have completely transformed the way I practice. I used to be the person using very strong words almost like...